Smith kicks six to help Dons home

Donnybrook led all day to hold off a tenacious Carey Park by 17 points in an entertaining match at Kelly Park on Sunday.

Carey Park had first use of a slight breeze, however Donnybrook bounced out of the blocks kicking four of the first five goals, holding on, despite a persistent Panthers, to win 11.8 (74) to 8.9 (57).

Donnybrook co-captain Curtis Guglielmana was the driving force through the middle, setting up many scoring opportunities.

A late goal to Max Websdale brought the margin back to 11 points at the first break.

The second quarter was tight, the endeavour shown by the Panthers was outstanding, however the class of Donnybrook kept them in front.

Jeff Smith kicked two goals for the term, but when Wes Hagan kicked a late major, it was 19 points in favour of the Dons at the half-time interval.

The third term saw the Panthers press hard, as their pressure forced Donnybrook to defend strongly and the match tightened up.

Clinton Yarran was starring across half back, and a four goal to two quarter saw Carey Park only down by four points at three-quarter time.

It was anyone's game in the last, however Smith broke the game open, kicking three early goals to take his tally for the match to six.

The Dons had steadied, and while Carey Park fought strongly, it was not quite enough.

Donnybrook coach Julian Burgess said he was happy to get the four points.

“There was no real flow in the game, it was an arm wrestle,” he said.

“We missed the chance to put more scoreboard pressure on in the second term through missed opportunities.

“We simply need to keep winning now to keep our finals chance alive.”

Carey Park coach Jamie Nani said he was pleased with the improved effort.

“We had some very good passages of play, but too often the final disposal let us down,” he said.

“We just lack that little bit of class.

“The third quarter showed what we can do, we just need to work harder for longer. Overall it was a very good effort"