Match Report: Donnybrook v HBL
Late rush by Lions not enough to down Dons
Donnybrook survived a late rush by Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault and the marvellous Ashley Thornton, to defeat the Lions by 12 points under lights at Brunswick Oval.
Perfect conditions met both sides on Saturday night, with a heavily contested game ending in the Dons' third straight win to start the season, as they stormed home 12.10 (82) to 11.4 (70).
Thornton was in ominous form early, kicking three first-quarter goals on his way to seven for the night as he monstered the Dons' defence minus key position player Simon Parry, who was in the midfield.
This turned out to be the right move by Dons' coach David Lewis, as Parry went on many runs through the middle and kicked three goals on his way to a best-on-ground effort.
Momentum swung both ways many times throughout the match as the Lions' pace and agility met the Dons' big-bodied army.
The contested ball was not feared by the smaller Lions who crashed the packs and surely shocked a Donnybrook outfit who would have thought they had the advantage when it came to physicality.
Captain Josh Quinn led the charge through the midfield, with support from Brad Strano and backman Keegan Fortescue.
Early in the match it looked as if the two-time Hayward Medallist Jeff Smith would be too big for the Lions' defence, with the ruckman leading out of the goal square with force and power.
Unfortunately his night ended in the last quarter when he collided with a goal post and was reportedly sent to hospital.
The Dons looked to have secured the game at half-time, after a dominant second quarter where they kicked six goals while keeping the Lions to just one point.
