SWFL 2023: Despite positive signs, Dunsborough Sharks begin league life with 100-point defeat by Dons

Dunsborough Sharks coach Daniel Wiseman was upbeat about his side’s journey before Sunday’s inaugural league clash against Donnybrook at home. After nearly two years of pent-up excitement and rigorous tasks, both he and the players were finally able to put theory into practice. While the Dons ran out resounding 23.8 (146) to 7.4 (46) victors over the debutant Sharks, there were enough positives sprinkled across all four quarters to indicate good times will come to the Dunsborough Playing Fields in the long-term. Both sides posed for a pre-match photo before the toss of the coin. It was somewhat fitting Wiseman’s first league match as coach was against Donnybrook, given he was a premiership-winning assistant coach in 2018 at the Dons under Julian Burgess — who now coaches South Bunbury. Additionally, Burgess’s son Zac suited up for the Sharks, with his dad cheering on both men from the outer. The opening few minutes were breathless as both sides attempted to gain a foothold in the contest. The home side appeared composed across the half-back line and made sensible decisions by foot. However, once the Dons eventually hit the scoreboard courtesy of Zac Trigwell (four goals), the floodgates opened, with the visitors slamming on four goals in a lethal five-minute burst. It was during this passage of play that evergreen Dons forward Jeff Smith began to take control of the game, with his no-nonsense charging at the contest too much for the Sharks’ defenders to handle. Smith finished with 10 goals and has already booted 14 this season, with the Dons confidently heading into the Easter bye unbeaten. For the Sharks, Chris White’s explosiveness in the forward line was a real crowd-pleaser, while former West Coast Eagles utility Patrick McGinnity and skipper Max Paterson worked hard throughout in front of the 900-strong crowd.