Win over Dons could open door for Eaton

Eaton Boomers league coach Brett Maguire firmly believes Sunday’s clash against Donnybrook at VC Mitchell Park could have a massive bearing on his side securing second spot.

Both sides are locked on 10-6, however the Boomers could lock it up with a win against the reigning premiers.

“It’s certainly an important game for both sides,” Maguire said.

“From our point of view, at this time of the season you want to be winning games of footy and it doesn’t matter who it’s against.

“We are just trying to get into some good winning habits before the finals and the importance of second spot is there if we can win it.

“Because that will give us the chance to have a home final which at this time of year which is very important because it’s a very close competition and you need every edge you can get.”

Although the Dons have been battling several injuries over the past few weeks, Maguire is adamant that the reigning premiers will put up a solid showing on their home turf.

“As we saw with some of the fixtures last weekend, if you are a little bit off you can come back to the pack really quick,” Maguire said.

“I think all sides are very dependent on the top end of their lists and if they are up and about, they can be right among it.

“If your top end is off the mark then you come back to the pack.

“It’s going to be a very interesting game, because we always have very good matches against them.

“They play with a fair bit of intensity, so if we turn up in the wrong headspace, it’s going to be a very tough afternoon.”

Maguire added that although his side was disappointed with Saturday’s one-point loss to Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault at Glen Huon Reserve, they held no fears at meeting the Lions in September if they could replicate the pleasing aspects of the performance.

Dons coach Julian Burgess told the South Western Times that inexperience and physicality took its toll at times during Saturday’s five-point victory over South Bunbury, however he and the Dons coaching staff were thrilled with how their younger players began the game.

With the opportunity to secure a home final still available, Burgess is hopeful his side can compete heartily to give them every chance.