The Sharks are awaiting a fresh start in Division One after going through the 2023 season with just the one victory.
Senior Men’s
Ladder Position: 12th (1-17, 32.97%)
Leading Goalkicker: Kyle Viccars (15 goals)
Summary:
A tough year for the Sharks eventuated in relegation for Doncaster, a record of 1-17 in 2023.
Competing in Premier Division, the club managed just the one win for the season. Their one and only win of the season came in Round Three when the Sharks came from behind to win by two points against Berwick.
There were some highlights in 2023, including former Port Adelaide champion Robbie Gray running out in the blue hoops. Gray played five games this season for Doncaster, joining good mate and senior coach Chris Annakis.
Annakis celebrated a massive milestone in his final season playing for Doncaster, reaching the 250-game milestone. A fantastic career, retiring at the end of the 2023 season with a big resume that includes three-time premiership player, three-time league best and fairest winner and 11 time Team of the Year Representative.
Key Players:
Aaron Grundy had a consistent season in the ruck from his 14 games, listed in the best in ten of those. Grundy averaged 36 hit outs per game in 2023.
Must highlight Liam Coghlan’s year, averaging over 31 disposals per game. Interrupted season, he missed all of July, playing nine games this year.
Due to his VFL commitments, Kyle Viccars played just the seven games for the Sharks in 2023. However, in all seven games, he featured in the best and managed to still take out the leading goal kicker award for Doncaster.
Best Win: Round Three – Doncaster 7.5 47 def. Berwick 7.3 45 @Edwin Flack Reserve
The Sharks one win of the season came early on in Round Three in a slightly bizarre contest at Edwin Flack Reserve.
Outplayed in the first half, the Sharks went goalless in the first half, trailing by 35 points to the home side.
The second half was a complete reversal, as the Sharks kicked seven goals to one to pinch a two-point victory over the Wickers.
Small Forward Kyle Viccars finished with four goals from eight disposals.
Off-Season Focus:
While Chris Annakis has hung up the boots after a phenomenal career, he’ll remain as Senior Coach of Doncaster as they move into Division One.
Relegation might be the best possibly thing for the Sharks, especially with the likes of a Kyle Viccars moving back to the Waverley Blues. Although Viccars is a VFL-listed player, what he brought to the side when available can’t be underestimated.
They’ll need to add plenty of firepower to that forward line, averaging just 40 points in 2023.
So much to work on, must put just as much focus on list retainment as they will on recruiting.
