Sport
16 May, 2026
Close call for unbeaten Redbacks
The Redbacks led by just four points at quarter-time, but a 5.4 to 0.1 second term set up the eventual 45-point victory.
WEDDERBURN failed to execute its game plan against a determined Donald on Saturday but did enough to remain unbeaten this season.
The Redbacks led by just four points at quarter-time, but a 5.4 to 0.1 second term set up the eventual 45-point victory.
Wedderburn’s 26 scoring shots to 11 suggested the win could have been considerably bigger.
Coach Tom Metherell said he had been wary of his team’s attitude going into what seemed to be a likely routine win after a string of tough games to start the season, including meeting both grand finalists.
“Donald has definitely improved a lot, and their pressure was quite high,” he said. “We didn’t execute our plan to the best of our ability.”
One player who did was veteran forward Matt Perri, who kicked eight of the team’s 13 goals.
“He was probably the one who was clean with the footy,” Metherell said.
“We had a plan to get the ball from inside to out as quickly as possible, and most were a bit fumbly, but he was clean.”
Donald, which finished last in 2025, will regret its poor second quarter after being highly competitive in the other three terms.
Two wins from the first four matches is a terrific return for a team that was winless last season.
Much of the Royal Blues’ improvement is down to recruits Pala Kuma and Will Baker, both talented young footballers who have helped to transform the Donald midfield and were among the side’s better players against the Redbacks.
Ashley Reed kicked four goals for the Royals from the forward pocket, while ruckman Charlie Campbell and half-back Lachie Snedden were excellent all day.
Donald faces ladder-leading Sea Lake Nandaly after this week’s bye, with Wedderburn at home to winless Boort in a clash of traditional rivals.
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