The Mighty Dons played away at Glen Huon reserve this week against the Eaton Boomers.
This eagerly-awaited top-of-the-table clash had the tipsters favouring the Boomers - however the Dons’ brains trust were quietly confident.
With big man Jeff Smith pulling out an hour before the game due to a suspect buttock injury, the Boomers may have anticipated the win.
But with hulking Kris Clarkson stepping up to full forward, the team structure was well balanced and the Dons stormed out of the blocks to lead from early in the first quarter.
Already leading by a couple of goals at quarter time, the Dons took the game away from Eaton in a magnificent second quarter of football. The Dons not only outplayed Eaton but physically dominated them as well as they kicked seven majors in the term.
The midfield were hungry for the contest and the intensity that the Dons applied put Eaton off their normal running game. Onballers Curtis Guglielmana and David Roche had the best of Eaton all day and with first use of the footy supplied by massive ruckman 'Disco' Francisco the Dons dominated the clearances and provided quality delivery to the forward line.
The Dons looked the stronger and more skillful side and used the the ball as well as they have this year. The game plan, brilliantly formulated by Lewis, used the bigger taller bodies to good effect.
Kris Clarkson had a fine day ending with five goals in a performance that will see Smith working his way back into the side through the reserves when he is fit to play.
The Dons were rewarded for a great display by regaining the Peter Butcher cup. Peter was a legend at both clubs and the match ball was presented in his memory to best on ground Simon Parry.
Final scores: Donnybrook 17-7 (109) defeated Eaton 10-9 (69).
Best for the Dons were Simon Parry, Chris Sheehan, David Roche, Kris Clarkson, and Curtis Guglielmana.
Earlier in the day the Dons colts and reserves had played against some of the strongest teams in the South West Football League.
The colts put in a good performance, but were hit by the loss of key players both before and early in the game.
Final score: Donnybrook 6-5 (41) lost to Eaton 22-12 (144).
Best for the Dons were Joel Parker, Jacob Kendle, Shaun Towers, Sean Robertson and Jayden Ripper.
The reserves put on a good show against unbeaten table topping Eaton.
With one of the best Dons reserves sides for many a year, it was unfortunate that the opposition were league standard. Welcome back to footy to Isaac Wedderburn after your operation.
Final score: Donnybrook 6-5 (41) lost to Eaton 20-19 (139).
Best for the Dons were Ryan Gillbert, Aaron White, Brendon Giudici, Time Papalia and Nathan Scott.
Don’t forget magnificent meals at the mighty Dons every Friday night. The club president will be celebrating his wedding anniversary with his lovely wife and seven children so get down and buy him a drink.
Go the Mighty Dons!