SWFL 2022: Augusta-Margaret River prevail over Donnybrook by four goals in fierce and physical contest

A final-quarter blitz of goals in the midst of a fierce and physical contest saw reigning premiers Augusta-Margaret River come from behind and run away with a four-goal victory over Donnybrook, 12.11 (83) to 9.8 (59). The Hawks hosted the Dons at Gloucester Park on Saturday during the SWFL’s Indigenous round. From the outset, the Dons were putting up a tough fight against the Hawks, making a number of tackles in the match’s opening seconds and eventually backing it up with a goal via Shane Cristaldi. Not one to give up easily, the Hawks responded with a goal of their own via Jake Rodgers. What followed was a physical opening quarter with plenty of hard-hitting tackles and strong pressure from both sides. While the scores remained close throughout the term with Luke Dale and Oscar Armstrong kicking majors for their respective teams, the Dons managed to get the upper hand with a late goal via Jeff Smith to give them the lead 3.2 (20) to 2.2 (14) at quarter time. Although the Hawks were keen to make an early comeback in the early stages of the second quarter with a second goal from Rodgers, Donnybrook maintained their strong approach with Ben Howlett breaking through for a goal. Just minutes later, Howlett managed a second goal via a 50m penalty to extend the Dons’ lead. A Sam Lewis goal saw the Hawks continue to fight back in the fierce contest. Although a second goal from Smith saw the Dons hold strong 6.3 (39) to 4.5 (29) by half time, Howlett and Luke Skehan were the first casualties of the physical match, coming off the ground with blood noses. Tensions were bubbling throughout the third quarter as the competitive contest continued with the Hawks making a quick response to a third Smith goal for the Dons. James Purvis, Rodgers, Ben Taylor and Armstrong all booted goals to help the Hawks take the lead. Just when it looked as though the Hawks would be taking control of the match with a further goal from star midfielder Simon Moore, all hell broke loose with players involved in a melee, allegedly sparked by Howlett copping a knee to the head. As a result of the melee, which saw Rodgers taken to the ground, Nick Martin and Beau Morgan were both sent off with yellow cards. With tensions already flaring, another push and shove occurred just minutes later with Lewis getting aggressive with a number of Dons players after being tackled. Lewis was initially sent off with a yellow card when abusive language saw the card turn red. Despite a late goal for the Dons, the Hawks held on to lead 9.6 (60) to 8.3 (51) at the final change. The final quarter saw the Hawks step up and take control of the match, driving the ball to their forward 50 and extending their lead. Although the Dons tried their hardest to fight back, they struggled getting the ball forward as the likes of Rodgers, Samuel Berridge and Harry Taylor helped seal the win for the Hawks. At the final siren, the Hawks took the win 12.11 (83) to 9.8 (59), with Howlett named best on ground and presented with the game ball.