Dons pull off second half comeback
Donnybrook kicked 11 goals in the last half to storm home and grab a two-point win over Bunbury at VC Mitchell Park on Sunday.
The Dons kicked their only goal for the first half in the opening quarter and looked as if they would struggle, but arrested control of the match after half-time to win 12.8 (80) to 12.6 (78).
The powerhouse finish by the Dons had them take the lead for the first time with five goals in the last eight minutes thanks to the heriocs of Jacob Green (six goals) and Todd Gregory (three goals), which sent the Dons’ faithful into raptures.
The Bulldogs had a surprise inclusion, when former AFL and WAFL midfielder Brett Peake lined up for the visitors.
But his impact was minimal, kicking just the one goal for the day.
A seven-goal first half by the Bulldogs had all convinced the Bulldogs were on their way to an easy victory and gave no hint of the drama to follow.
The Bulldogs were on top for most of the second half except for a 10-minute burst at the start of the third quarter when the Dons added three goals to get within 20 points.
But the Bulldogs steadied through Blair Della Franca, Brad Blake and Braden McMullen (three goals) who all kicked majors.
Gregory booted a couple late to make it a five goal to three quarter at the final change, but the Bulldogs looked set for victory.
Aidan Clarke goaled early in the final quarter courtesy of the Dons fifth 50 metre penalty for the game and the Bulldogs looked even more in control.
Donnybrook ruckman Brendan Page took a clever overhead mark and a goal at the 10-minute mark but Clarke goaled from outside 50 for a quick reply.
The game changed in intensity in the following minutes as the Dons started to win the contested ball and take a number of telling marks.
Almost into time on Green and then Gregory booted majors and the Dons had the momentum.
The Dons were on a roll and three goals in the final minutes made it a six goal to two final quarter, delivering a comeback to remember.
Donnybrook 1.0, 1.4, 6.7, 12.8 (80) def Bunbury 2.1, 7.3, 10.5, 12.6 (78)
GOALS: Donnybrook – J. Green 6, T. Gregory 3, B. Page 2, S. Lynch Bunbury – B. McMullen 3, M. Martin, A. Clarke 2, T. Horton, K. Bassett, B. Blake, B. Peake, B. Della Franca.
BEST: Donnybrook – J. Green, T. Gregory, C. Beggs, B. May, K. Hug, S. Towers, J. Hearman. Bunbury Y – A. Clarke, B. McMullen, B. Blake, J. Falco, A. Preedy, T. Justins, X. Williamson
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