By Tash Gunawardana
Doncaster East’s League Premier Division 2021 debut season was enigmatic, with the Lions rounding out the shortened season at the foot of the table, despite winning praise from all their rivals throughout the season.
It was not the start Doncaster East would have hoped for after they earned promotion after winning back-to-back premierships for the first time in their history (2019-2020) – the club’s third grand final in three years.
Although, Doncaster East did not come away with the victory in their last match of the season in 2021 they would take a lot of positives away from it considering they only went down to the minor premier Vermont by 20-points.
There’s been a change of coach down at Zerbes in the meantime, with premiership mentor Steve Buckle parting ways with the club, with Ryan James named his successor.
James has coached for 10 years and that he and his coaching staff had to change expectations at the club if they wanted to turn their fortunes around.
“Going into 2022, it was clear that expectations needed to lift and the intensity and commitment at training over the last few weeks has been great to be a part of,” James said.
“Our game sense and decision making under pressure are key elements to our success this year and we are challenging our players in all areas of our training plan at the moment.”
Doncaster East recruited well once again, bringing in players such as Josh Deluca, Chris Deluca, Daniel Scala, and Conor Haswell.
Josh Deluca is a WAFL premiership star and an ex-AFL young gun who played for both the Fremantle Dockers and Carlton.
Deluca will add some class to the Lions midfield with his competitive edge, contested football and inside work along with his leadership key to the Lions success in 2022.
James is content with the way his new chargers have hit the track this pre-season, as they look to develop and learn a new game plan after a lengthy period under Steve Buckle.
“The coaching team are really happy with where we’re sitting at the moment and are excited to keep layering in more aspects of our game plan as we reach key milestones,” James said.
“I think the players are enjoying the structured approach and are starting to get a feel for the tactical components to come, which is exciting – everyone is having fun and getting around each other.”
The intensity at Doncaster East has lifted and James believes that building a competitive environment will enhance his team’s on-field performance.
“The intensity at training is fierce and the competitive environment is bringing out the best in everyone for the greater good of our team,” he said.
“Get excited – the injection of new key players, a new game plan and a new focus has ignited passion within the club,” James said.
“Everyone is training hard and we’re on-track for a successful season.”