SWFLW 2023: Sharks display tremendous spirit against Holdsworth-inspired Donnybrook

Life in the SWFL women’s competition looked very different for Donnybrook without their WAFLW-listed players on Sunday at the Dunsborough Playing Fields.

The Dons were minus Bethany Bond, Charli Wicksteed and Lauren Vecchio, to name a few, and looked a far cry from the dominating force they were at times last season.

Fortunately for Max Jetta’s side, Lacey Holdsworth stood up, booting six goals in their 7.9 (51) to 0.2 (2) win over a vastly improved Dunsborough Sharks.

The Dons were held scoreless during the opening seven minutes of play as the home side put them under considerable physical pressure.

The Sharks were wooden spooners last season and appeared to have worked intently on their skill level and refused to drop their heads — even when Holdsworth’s aerial ability began to create a match-winning lead on the scoreboard.