Donald’s footballers had their one and only practice hit-out leading up to North-Central’s 2023 season at Swan Hill last Saturday, fielding a team that combined plenty of youth and experience.

Lining up in the Royal Blues’ colours for the first time were recruits Steve Dinnell, Keilor trio Jamie Papalia, Jesse Wallin and Kerrin Bell, joined by former Donald players James Heslop and Rory O’Shannessy, who all showed enough to indicate they will be very handy inclusions during what is anticipated to be a very evenly- contested season.

Also making a favourable impression were last season’s under-17 players, Noah Berry and Jett Adams, who featured among Donald’s goal kickers in the third term.

It took the first half of the four-quarter match for the Royal Blues to start to gel, and once the old hands and their new team-mates found their rhythm and gained a better understanding of each other’s capabilities, their third quarter produced many positive passages of play.

Among those to impress were Ryan Bath, who controlled one wing and was a very constructive contributor over four quarters; newly appointed captain, Ryan Hards; defenders Ryley Barrack (who picked up where he left off last season, during his eye catching North-Central debut season); Hayden Geddes (off a half-back flank), Dinnell (who looked very much at home when moved to a half-back flank during the second half, using his possessions to advantage); and Rory O’Shannessy, who worked strongly in the ruck contests.

Both teams were well below full strength due to unavailability, but the coaches were very happy with the intensity of the hit-out and the performances of their respective charges.

Post match, Donald’s Rohan Brown identified many positives to come out of the practice hit out, as well as a number of areas in which the Royal Blues need to improve, both individually and as a team.

Lining up for Swan Hill was former Donald player, George Morgan, who acquitted himself well playing in defence.

Missing from the Royal Blues’ line-up were a number of players likely to be included in the team to play Wycheproof-Narraport in round 1, on Saturday, April 15, including reigning Feeny medallist, Ross Young, Daniel Venditti, defenders James Wall and Dyson Bell-Warren, ruckman Shane Neaves, Eddie Landwehr and recruits Chris Lynch, Sam Dunstan and Trent Grant, while injured players Daniel Pearce and Blake Grant, were interested spectators at Swan Hill.

Leadership Group

Prior to the day’s football, Donald’s footballers elected their leadership group for the coming season.

Ryan Hards will captain the team, assisted by vice-captains Josh Potter and Eddie Landwehr, Ryley Barrack and Daniel Pearce.

Combined Training Run

Last Thursday evening, Donald’s footballers, netballers and hockey players combined for a short training session, under the direction of senior football coach Rohan Brown, assisted by senior netball coach, Jo Beavis and hockey club president, Harrison Bowles.

It is an integral part of the Royal Blues’ united approach to the winter sporting season, with players from all three codes gaining enjoyment from the shared experience of a handball drill and a quick game of paper, scissors, rock, with pushups the penalty from making the wrong choice.

See all the pictures in the issue.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 4 April 2023.