The Dons put up a valiant effort, but were outmatched by their rivals on the field.

A week earlier, Donnybrook’s return game against Harvey at V.C. Mitchell Park was a much better contest.

Although the Dons John Hearman and Aven Hastie limited Brad Smith’s influence, Harvey still found avenues to goal and kept Donnybrook at arm’s lengths for most of the day.

The Dons did not take full advantage of the use of the breeze, too many times pushing wide rather than going directly down the middle – something the Bulls did with good effect using the corridor in both directions.

Joel Tysoe shouldered ruck duties all day in Mat Horton’s absence.

Jeff Smith was away at the national competition and was sorely missed in the forward line.

Donnybrook mostly matched its opponents in the mid field, especially Joel Coad who clearly out-pointed his opposite number.

But the Dons could not produce enough drive to from the centre to really trouble Harvey.

Although Josh Buckley, Milan Kokir and Steven Howlett were all solid contributors, there was very little spark to break the shackles.

Adam Forward and Chris Sheehan were serviceable in defence and Jarryd Blackledge had an impact when introduced but unfortunately the league result would follow that of the Reserves and Colts sides who also had a tough day.