Sport
6 May, 2026
Resurgent Royals in top three
DONALD’S resurgence has continued, with the Royal Blues handing Charlton a 111-point victory and rising to third on the ladder.
DONALD’S resurgence has continued, with the Royal Blues handing Charlton a 111-point victory and rising to third on the ladder.
Key forward Ashley Reed, recruited from Keilor in the pre-season, booted eight goals for Donald - winless last season - and mid/forward Pala Kuma again showed why he is one of the North Central recruits of the season.
The year has started poorly for Charlton and a lack of goalkickers is proving critical. The Navies were 81 points behind at the main break and while there was improvement in the second half, the defeat was another heavy one.
Unbeaten Sea Lake Nandaly awaits next Saturday before the league’s second bye of the young season.
Donald had 10 players hit the scoreboard on the day, with six of them kicking multiple goals.
Charlton, by contrast, had five players booting a single goal.
Royals co-coach Daniel Pearce, who was often a one-man band last season, has relished having the experienced Matt Walder coaching from the bench and was among the best players.
Will Baker has also proved to be a good pick up for Donald and he kicked another three goals.
Last season’s best and fairest winner Ben Lanyon battled hard in the ruck for Charlton, while youngster Nick Thompson impressed in his return to the club from two years with Eaglehawk, having overcome an ACL injury.
The key position prospect and Donald’s Kuma played together in Eaglehawk’s premiership win in the Bendigo league last season.
The Royal Blues are at home to top side Wedderburn this week in a real test of their improvement.
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