EFNL 2024: How Donvale is shaping for Division 3 flag defence

The Eastern Division 3 club will back its existing talent in its hunt for a second-consecutive premiership this year – with a string of young guns touted to take the next step.

Donvale’s James Rausa and coach Kevin Collins lift the 2023 Division 3 cup. Picture: Davis Harrigan

DONVALE will back its existing talent in its hunt for a second-consecutive premiership this year – with a string of young guns touted to take the next step.

The ‘Vales romped to the 2023 Division 3 flag, defeating Ferntree Gully by 60 points in a near-perfect season bearing just one loss.

No promotion was offered by the league for the premier in the top four Eastern divisions last season, and Donvale coach Kevin Collins said his charges were shaping well for another flag tilt.

Premiership midfielder Mitch Brouwer is the only confirmed departure, returning to Tasmania.

“We’ve virtually retained our list,” Collins said.

“They’ve come back in the best form I’ve seen them, so in terms of the fitness level, they’ve just got fitter than I’d hoped.”

The ‘Vales were dealt a two-point loss in the 2022 grand final, but despite the heartbreak driving the group last season, Collins believes his players’ appetite for success to be greater this time around.

“They’ve come back hungrier than what they were last year, they’re all ready to go,” he said.

“They know they’ve got really competitive teams coming down and coming up.

“(In higher divisions) some teams can never beat you, but in third division, everyone can win on the day, and some of our hardest games were against teams much lower than us on the ladder.

“We’ve got to go to another level – it’s all about education and teaching.”

Donvale has retained most of its premiership-winning list. Picture: Davis Harrigan

It’s been a quiet off-season of recruiting for the ‘Vales, but Collins will look to the club’s emerging names.

On-baller Dylan Sinosich and reserves best and fairest Toby Nash are set for more opportunities.

Will Lambert, who featured in the reserves flag, is set for a change of role in his return after injury kept him out of the senior grand final-winning side.

He played 18 top-flight matches last season.

“He’s going to get much more time in the midfield so I’m expecting him to take a massive step forward,” Collins said.

Meanwhile, captain James Rausa is primed for another big campaign.

Rausa completed the trifecta last season – leading his club to a premiership, winning the best-on-ground medal in the grand final and later claiming the Division 3 league best and fairest.

“He’ll have another good season … he’s come back fitter and stronger,” Collins said.

Donvale opens its season away to Ferntree Gully on Saturday, April 6.