Eastern league: Kids and stars spark Doncaster East’s finals revival

An ex-AFL man ran hot, a star made a cracking return and emerging youngsters shone as Doncaster East revitalised their Premier finals hopes in Eastern league.

Josh Schache in action for Doncaster East. Picture: Field of View Photography

It was already the youngest side in the competition, but Doncaster East had an even more youthful look as it overpowered Mitcham on Saturday.

The Lions’ back six included four teenagers.

Oliver Polan was playing only his third senior game, Sam Martin his fourth and Rhys Nangreave his second.

All three were important in the win, with Nangreave kicking two goals in the last quarter — the winning margin — as Doncaster East won 13.8 (86) to 11.8 (74).

While the youngsters provided a spark, ex-AFL Lion, Bulldog and Demon Josh Schache brought star power as he slotted six goals straight, going past 50 goals for the season.

“He’s just doing it one out at the moment without Tim O’Brien,” East Doncaster coach Ryan James said of Schache.

“We can’t ask much more than what he’s doing.”

Josh Deluca of Doncaster East handballs. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

In another key boost for Donny East, champion midfielder Josh Deluca made an eye-catching return after more than two months.

“He did a hammy in round four, and he missed two or three games with it,’’ James said.

“But then he went overseas on his honeymoon for five weeks. He landed back in the country on the weekend and then played...and he’s rolled out and had 30 touches. So we’re pretty lucky.

“We’re starting to get a few more troops back now.”

Doncaster East’s win followed back-to-back losses to South Croydon and East Ringwood.

The Lions, 6-8, are in sixth spot, their finals hopes back on track.

“We’re one game out of the five at the moment and we’ve got the teams that are in it to come,’’ James said.

“So, if we’re good enough, we’ll make it.”

The Lions face third-placed Balwyn on Saturday.

“There’s no love lost between us and them,” James said.

In a possible boost, ex-Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs forward Tim O’Brien could return to the Doncaster East side this weekend.

In other games, South Croydon continued its push for finals with a fast-finishing win over Balwyn 14.11 (95) to 9.9 (63). For the second game in a row, Tom Sheridan was named best-afield for South Croydon after slotting seven goals, while Matthew Aldous, James Fasan and Liam Shiels excelled.

Former AFL player Jamie Bennell kicked four goals as ladder leaders East Ringwood beat Noble Park 9.18 (72) to 6.7 (43), with Connor Weightman capping a best-on-ground display with two goals.

A young Berwick side claimed another good scalp, defeating visiting Vermont by 19 points. The Wicks are guaranteed of staying in the top grade.

Toby Wooller booted five goals and Ryley Stoddart was named best-afield as Blackburn beat Rowville by 28 points.