EFL 2019: Doncaster East eyeing promotion to Premier Division

Doncaster East president Mark Solanakis had declared the Lions are ready for promotion to the Eastern league’s top flight as they ramp up preparations for a tilt at the Division 1 premiership.

Chris Phelan was one of Doncaster East’ high-profile recruits. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Two wins.

That’s all that could stand between Doncaster East and entry into the Eastern Football League’s top flight for the first time in the club’s history.

The Lions have made no secrets of their desire to win promotion to Premier Division.

And president Mark Solanakis has declared the Lions would be ready to make the jump if they win this year’s Division 1 premiership.

Doncaster East won last year’s second tier title but was not promoted as part of the competition restructure.

Solanakis acknowledged there were expectations the Lions would go back-to-back but their success would not be measured by grand final glory.

“I don’t think we should be defined by where our club is at by one game because we all know what could happen on that day,” Solanakis said.

“Having said that, across the board, there would be massive disappointment because there is massive expectation.”

Doncaster East coach Steve Buckle. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Doncaster East has established itself as the team to beat, sitting two games and percentage clear at the top of the ladder.

It will finish as minor premiers and could need just two finals wins to claim the premiership.

It’s been suggested rival coaches are sharing tactics to topple the Lions’ flag plans.

“Being the hunted … if people are talking about how to beat us … that’s fine,” Solanakis said.

“We need to make sure we present our club as best we can come finals.”

Doncaster East has recruited former AFL footballers Simon White and Brock McLean in recent years.

It also signed WAFL star Chris Phelan in February and Sam Rowe put pen to paper at Zerbes Reserve before he received a lifeline from St Kilda to continue his AFL career.

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Solanakis said the Lions had the playing list ready to compete in Premier Division but needed to improve their revenue and resources.

“We expect to have people that would probably jump on board in the sense of, we’re getting people that are now taking note — and I’m talking about past people of Doncaster East footy club — and I think they’re enjoying the ride and getting involved,” he said.

“I just want people to come to our club and enjoy it and from that comes your sponsorship, resourcing and so forth.

“We’ve got some things we’ll implement this year that we think will help us to become financially stable (but) we’ll be fine.

“We’re ready to go. We were ready to go last year.

“Like anything, we’ll just have to work on bringing in more money and bringing in more resources.

“I’m looking forward to getting into Premier Division (but) I don’t know when that will be.

“I’m hoping it’s at the end of this year … I’m getting a little bit excited as to the end of the home-and-away season.”

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