Burgess sticks to routine

Donnybrook coach Julian Burgess believes his side will have to be at their best to topple the Eaton Boomers in Sunday’s preliminary final at Hands Oval.

The reigning premiers, who have played their past three matches away from VC Mitchell Park, storm into the clash on the back of a powerful win over Bunbury in the first semi-final.

However, don’t expect anything to change in the Donnybrook camp heading into the game.

“That’s what we are all about,” Burgess said.

“It’s about sticking to a routine and doing the same things. Our challenge this week is to replicate the pressure footy we showed against Bunbury.

“We’ll see how we go, but nothing will change at all.”

The significance of Boomers forward Jarrod Humphries looms over this contest, with the SWFL leading goal-kickersuffering an ankle injury in the qualifying final against Bunbury.

Although he played in the second semi-final on Sunday against the Lions, Humphries appeared to be still affected, as he kicked for goal using his opposite foot.

Despite some challenges in the past, Burgess tipped reliable defensive lynchpin Cahill Beggs would line up against Humphries early in the game.

“We’ve had a chat with Cahill already and he’ll get him to start with,” he said.

“We’ll just see how he responds and have a backup plan if it doesn’t work.”

Boomers coach Brett Maguire told the South Western Times he would have a full complement of players to pick from, which he felt could help his side get across the line.

With an opportunity to earn a rematch against the Lions, Maguire is hopeful his side arrive at Hands Oval with their minds on the job in front of them and relish the opportunity to play their trademark brand of football.

Bouncedown is at 1.20pm.