Sport
20 July, 2026
Royal Blues go pink for Layla
Players across all three codes paid tribute to the 13-year-old on Saturday by each wearing a bit of pink - whether that be on their netball bibs or football and hockey socks.
ON A DAY when the North Central family came together to grieve over the tragic death of Donald girl Layla Jeffery, the Royal Blues’ footballers did their best to raise local spirits with a big win over Charlton.
Players across all three codes paid tribute to the 13-year-old on Saturday by each wearing a bit of pink - whether that be on their netball bibs or football and hockey socks.
Donald’s 76-point victory in the Bunters Cup kept the team firmly in the race for the top four.
Charlton was more competitive than in most other games this season, and a goal to Travis Baird 11 minutes into the third quarter brought the Navies within a manageable 24 points.
But that was the team’s last score for the match, with Donald adding the last nine goals and some important percentage as Charlton fell away.
Straighter kicking for goal would have helped Donald, but the weather conditions weren’t ideal for accurate shooting.
Birchip-Watchem’s loss to Wedderburn on Saturday puts the Royals four points behind the Bulls, but with an 18 per cent gap to be factored in.
After a winless 2025, to be in sight of a finals’ appearance midway through the season is already a huge win for the club.
The excellent Pala Kuma, who has been a revelation for Donald this season, was again the team’s best with his run and carry style having a major impact.
Lachlan Sneddon and Ashley Reed both kicked three goals for the winners.
Last season’s best and fairest Ben Lanyon continued to shoulder an enormous burden for Charlton, who remained winless after 10 rounds.
Both sides face tough road trips next week - the Navies travel to second-placed Sea Lake Nandaly next Saturday, while Donald meets unbeaten Wedderburn at Donaldson Park.
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