Dons need to fire for sake of finals spot

Despite showing plenty of promise across the opening month of the season, Donnybrook is 0-3 heading into Sunday’s blockbuster against the Harvey Bulls at VC Mitchell Park. With a two-game buffer already between the top three sides and the remainder of the competition, the Dons cannot afford any more slip ups — especially against the Bulls, who are likely to be their major rival for the final spot in the top four. But the home side will have a few aces in its deck. Along with decorated 2019 joint Nola Marino medallist Fleur Parker, the Worsfold trio have added plenty since moving on from the Bulls. Both sides have to win this game, but their needs are starkly different. Given the Dons’ upcoming run of games (against Carey Park, a bye and Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault), a win here could kickstart a run of success. The Bulls have lost their way a little bit since easily defeating Carey Park in round one (now declared a forfeit). Heavy losses against South Bunbury and Bunbury would have been a tad sobering for Peter Jones’s side, who were tipped to be genuine finals contenders once again. In both of those defeats, they have shown promise early, but fell away in the second half, which is an uncharacteristic trait. Rachel Shepherd has easily been the Bulls’ best player so far this season, however, she cannot do it all on her own. The Dons’ defence will need to keep Megan Minton and Jonelle Blackford quiet, as they pose the biggest threat. If they are allowed to do as they please, it could be a happy trip home for the Bulls.