Football
THIS weekend the Mighty Dons hosted Collie at VC Mitchell Park.
The season is now more than halfway and the Dons have turned for home with their tails up. The big home crowd was expecting a comfortable win, but Collie had not read the script and came to play.
The Dons were missing some key individuals, but the powerful midfield were all present and firing. The Dons looked comfortable early; Curtis Guglielmana and Simon Parry fresh from their outing with the state country team on Friday night were looking silky and ably backed up by David Roche and massive ruckman Disco. The Dons had first use of the ball early. Wayward in front of goals early on, the Dons turned eleven points up at quarter time.
As has been the case for most of the season, the Dons really hit their stride in the second quarter. Kicking five majors to one, they looked to have the game under control at half time. Big full forward Kris Clarkson kicked three for the quarter and Collie seemed to have no answer to the Don’s higher skill levels.
After half time however it was a different story. Collie came out full of run and took the game up to the Dons, who appeared to have gone off the boil a bit. The inaccuracy in front of goals kept Collie well in the hunt. The Dons will be disappointed that they were unable to kill the game off, but all credit to Collie.
Using their superior footspeed, Collie made the Dons look pedestrian for much of the rest of the game. Once again a lack of pace was an issue and it was fortunate that heavy rain late in the game slowed the contest and caused multiple skill errors. Special mention for young Joel Parker playing his first League game of the season and doing a great job.
The Dons eventually ran out winners, which keeps them in the leading group.
September football is now on the agenda, but the Dons will need to go up a notch to gain the double chance. Final score Donnybrook 11-15-81 Collie 10-5-65. Best for the Dons were Jarrad Guglielmana, Jason Orr and Chris Cross.
Earlier, the young Dons colts side had a great win. One of their best performances saw them win comfortably playing some very good football in the process. Final score Donnybrook 19-6-10 to Collie 6-9-45, best for the Dons were Reece Ralston, Shaun Towers, Jayden Ripper and Jackson Chalker.
The Reserves narrowly failed to make it a treble for the Dons going down in a close low scoring game. Final score Donnybrook 4-4-28 to Collie 4-10-34. Best for the Dons were Clint House, John Hearman and Dennis Tucker.
Next week the Dons travel to Payne Park to take on the Bunbury Bulldogs, who are having a difficult season. Coach Lewis will ensure the boys are not over confident after today’s scare.
Go the Mighty Dons!
