By Josh Ward.
Injuries and the unavailability of key players saw the Lions miss finals for the first time in just under a decade.
Senior Men’s
Ladder Position: 8th (5-13, 75.64%)
Leading Goalkicker: Tim O’Brien (37 goals in 14 matches)
Best and Fairest: Josh Deluca and Taylin Duman
Summary:
An indifferent season for Doncaster Eas which saw them miss out on playing finals for the first time since joining the Premier Division in 2021.
It all came down to injuries to key names such as Darcy Jones-Hughes and Simon White, with these unavailabilities often leading to five changes ahead of a game.
This was particularly the case in the opening half of the season where their only two wins in that period came against Norwood and Berwick.
Whilst they only won a further three games in the second half of the year they showed a lot more promise and were competitive against the likes of South Croydon, East Ringwood and Vermont.
Key Players:
Two ex-AFL stars in Josh Deluca and Taylin Duman took home the Lions B&F.
While Deluca averaged more than 27 disposals, 14 contested possessions and nine clearances per game, Team of the Year member Duman collected 27.4 disposals, 7.3 intercept possessions and 8.9 rebound 50s per game.
Fellow ex-AFL tall Tim O’Brien also had a strong first season at Zerbes Reserve, kicking 37 goals and averaging 6.7 score involvements per game.
Co-captain’s James Appleby and Jack Sholakis were also consistent while Mak Hoskin had a breakthrough season, being named in the best on 10 occasions.
Best Win: Round 10 - Doncaster East 12.13.85 defeated Noble Park 10.5.65 @ Pat Wright Senior Oval
The Lions only win outside of four victories against Norwood and Berwick throughout the 2024 season.
After a fast start, Doncaster East let slip a 23-point advantage in the third quarter, before pushing it back out to 20 points once the final siren rang at Pat Wright Senior Oval.
Tim O’Brien starred with five goals, collecting 13 disposals and nine score involvements whilst also having some big moments in defence in the second half.
Taylin Duman had another 33 disposals, 11 marks and nine rebound 50s while James Appleby and Josh Deluca combined for 59 disposals, 23 contested possessions and 18 clearances.
Off-Season Focus:
The Lions have been an active player so far this offseason as they look to strengthen their side ahead of the 2025 season.
Another ex-AFL forward/defender in Josh Schache has signed, a massive boost to the Lions tall stocks alongside ex-Fairpark young gun Jay Rankin.
Ex-Norwood B&F winner Tom Maloney has also joined after a season with Seymour, a boost to Doncaster East’s midfield stocks after losing James Appleby to Heathmont.
Their recruits are promising, along with retaining the majority of their list. And if they can stay fit they’ll be a dangerous proposition to all Premier Division sides next year.