EFNL 2023: Tom Bell, Lachie Waddell combine for 10 goals as Doncaster East beats Doncaster by 136 points

Former AFL Blue and Lion Tom Bell made a stellar debut for his new club on Saturday, kicking a bag in a triple-figure hiding of an arch-rival.

Stunning debuts from an ex-AFL midfielder and a former VFL ruckman have spearheaded Doncaster East to a 136-point demolition job of Doncaster on Saturday.

Former AFL Blue and Lion Tom Bell was front and centre in the Lions’ 27.16 (178) to 6.6 (42) rout, booting six majors in a best-on-ground display from the midfield in his first outing since crossing from Greensborough.

Bell during his time with Brisbane. Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“Tom’s been super-impressive since he joined,” Doncaster East senior coach Ryan James said.

“He’s ended up on the scoreboard but he’s playing the majority in the midfield … he gives us flexibility and the most impressive part about Tom is how he’s fitted in with the culture, his want to do well and teach others.

“Out on the ground, he’s another coach.”

The win lifts the Lions to a 3-0 record, sitting on top of the Premier Division ladder.

Port Melbourne premiership ruckman Lachie Waddell kicked four goals in his maiden showing for the club, as Doncaster East slammed on 9.4 in the opening term while holding the Sharks scoreless.

“We spoke about wanting to make a statement and putting a young, developing team under a bit of pressure … more so keeping them (Doncaster) to zero was what we were happy with – ‘Whitey’ (Simon White) is leading the backs pretty well at the moment,” James said.

Leads of 58 and 90 points followed at the main break and three-quarter time, before a nine-goal-to-two final-quarter blitz blew the margin into triple figures, with Waddell hitting the scoreboard.

Lachlan Waddell (left) in action for Port Melbourne. Picture: Michael Klein

“We moved him forward in the last quarter and he kicked three,” James said.

“He had a bit of a mixed day, he spent a bit of time off in the second quarter due to a knock, but he was clearly dominant – he gave our midfielders first-use.

“Having worked with Lachie at Port Melbourne, there aren’t going to be too many better ruckmen in our comp, I don’t think.”

Jack Sholakis (four goals) took his tally to nine goals in two matches, while Josh Deluca, Luke Tynan, Darcy Jones-Hughes and Cam Giles each kicked two.

Kyle Viccars was best afield for the visitors with four majors, on a day the Sharks toasted playing-coach Chris Annakis’ 250th match.

Doncaster East is away to Blackburn in Round 3, while Doncaster travels to Berwick.