SWFL 2023: Dons run rings around Eaton in massive Peter Butcher Cup victory

You could be forgiven for thinking all Donnybrook players did during the summer months was run — because that is exactly what they did on Sunday against Eaton at VC Mitchell Park.

The gut-running Dons cruised to an 81-point win, with Jeff Smith booting four goals in the 15.19 (109) to 4.4 (28) triumph.

It was a less than ideal start for new Eaton coach Chris Kinninmont, given the fact his side was held scoreless in the second and fourth terms.

And yet at the start of the game, things appeared to be heading in the right direction.

By taking the game on early, Eaton burst out of the traps to lead by 11 points at the nine-minute mark of the opening quarter.

Aware they needed to change the tide, the home side elected to use the corridor at all costs, with Ben Howlett and Jacob Kendle providing excellent service to Smith, Shane Cristaldi and Zac Trigwell up forward.

This change in approach played a significant part in the Dons booting nine unanswered goals.

By the time Eaton broke the drought at the 18-minute mark of the third quarter, the game was all but over and their spirits had been extinguished.

Not content with their dominance, the Dons saved their best for last, piling on 5.10 in the final term as Eaton defenders were forced to set up camp in their own half.

Had the swirling breeze not been so fierce in the last term, the gap between both sides would have been considerably wider.

Although it was a forgettable result, a major plus for Kinninmont’s side was the performance of youngster Jack Connell, who presented well across half-forward, while Brent Piercey always provided a contest.