DONALD’S season came to a crashing end last year, with the side struck down by a horrific string of injuries.
Although they finished fourth on the season ladder, they lost to Nullawil in the finals while having to field 11 players under 20 years of age.
The good news for season 2024 is that 95 per cent of the team from last year will return injury-free for round 1.
The Royal Blues have also recruited height and strength to bolster their stocks.
Club president Danny Forrest said the goal was to recruit aggressively to support the existing team.
“We welcomed Andrew Browne into ruck duties, and he is a big guy at 204cm,” he said.
“We are also very excited about Dale Kerr because he’s just an all-around elite sportsman and he will bring a high standard to the midfield.
“We’re also focused on our young kids coming through.
“They will be a year older and stronger and we’re going to keep developing the young locals and make sure they enjoy their footy.
“Josh Potter is a first-year coach who brings a wealth of passion and enthusiasm to the club, and he’ll be supported by our experienced senior players.
The side showed lots of promise in its two practice matches and training numbers have been good, which Forrest attributes to Potter’s ability to pull the side together and motivate them.
Forrest also paid respect to the volunteers who keep the club running and in particular, Peter Falkner, who is entering his 21st consecutive year as club secretary.
“He’s a tremendous loyal servant and a strong role model within in our club,” he said.
“Peter has never kicked a football, so his dedication is driven by his love for the club community and it’s that sort of commitment that will keep our club healthy, well into the future. From the coach – Josh Potter
We will pretty much have a full list to choose from as all our injured players from last year will be back and available for round 1.
The only one missing is Todd Stevenson, who has a one-week suspension to serve.
It will be business as usual; we won’t change too much but work with the extra depth in the midfield.
We will be blooding the young boys while we have such great leadership in the side, our older boys will mentor them and that should keep us in good stead for years to come.
Jesse Wallan has stepped up to assistant coach and has had lot of experience in top leagues in Melbourne and Ryan Hards, who was our captain last year, did an Achilles early in the season and he’s back, very fit and ready for round 1.
So overall, we are feeling very positive and looking forward to a competitive year.
Fast Facts
Joined League: 1932
Ground: Donald Recreation Reserve.
Premierships: 13 (1936, 1937, 1939, 1949, 1963, 1979, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 2002, 2004, 2006)
President: Danny Forrest
Senior Coach: Josh Potter
2023 Ladder Position: fourth
2023 Best & Fairest: Ross Young
2023 Leading Goalkicker: Sam Dunstone
KEY PLAYER – Ryley Barrack
Barrack is a standout defender who tied in the league best and fairest last year.
He’s hard at the ball and throws himself into the play and is rarely beaten.
Ranking up with the best defenders in the league, Barrack can quickly turn defence into attack.
He’s a defender who loves to attack and is a valuable interceptor.
Outs – Sam Dunstone
Ins – Jack Italia, Andrew Browne, Todd Stevenson, Patrick Morgan, Dale Kerr
