THE Mighty Dons played their first home game of the South West Football league season on Sunday, hosting the Bunbury Bulldogs.
The ANZAC centenary was honoured with a minutes silence before the league game.
The first game featured the colts boys up against last year’s premiers. Bunbury lived up to their billing in a very impressive display of running football. The young Dons fought hard and never gave up. Coach Burgess said that the boys will learn from playing the best teams and will improve as the season goes on.
Final scores were DFC 2-2-14 to Bunbury 25-13-163. Best for the Dons were D. Parker, J. Parker, J. Kendall and J. Ripper.
Next to play were the reserves. Competitive last week, the Dons were hopeful of a win. On the hunt for most of the game and improving with every outing, Coach Cross said he is confident wins will come.
Final scores Donnybrook 6-12-48 to Bunbury 13-10-88. Best for the Dons were L. Smith, C. House, B. Pringle and evergreen colts coach Julian Burgess.
In the League game, coach Dave Lewis tapped into the ANZAC spirit. He demanded courage befitting the occasion and told the players that VC Mitchell Park must be a fortress where visiting teams fear to come. Sure enough they will now.
In a tactical masterstroke, Captain Jeff Smith won the toss and chose to play into the breeze.
The Dons more than held their own in the first quarter and turned one point behind, having kicked 1 goal 5 in the first quarter.
Two minutes into the second quarter the Dons went in front, never to be headed again.
The Dons missed out on a cricket score through inaccuracy, however the team was impressive across the list, four goals apiece to tall forward Jeff Smith and crumber Jarrad Brennan were major contributions. Simon Parry was again a massive presence in the backline and Curtis Guglielmana looks to be getting close to his best form.
Special mention for back man Mark Manea, who broke his nose but returned to the field to finish the game.
Final result Donnybrook 13-19-97 to Bunbury 6-1-37. Best for the Dons were S. Parry, J. Smith, B. Francisco and C. Guglielmana.
Next week the Dons make the trip to Brunswick to take on HBL. If you can support the boys on the road please do so.
Go the Mighty Dons!