2021 Fixtures
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Why Donvale is primed for a finals return..
Finals are on the radar at Donvale this season as it takes on the Eastern league’s Division 3 under returning club great Kevin Collins. The Magpies finished fifth in 2019 with a 9-9 record, missing the finals for a second consecutive year.
It’s been a long lead-in for Collins, who was appointed to the head coaching role in August 2019 after a previous stint which yielded flags in 1994 in Division 2 and 1996 in the top-tier, to go with an under-19s premiership in 2017.
Despite the lengthy lay-off, the Magpies will again be boosted by returning premiership names Nick Murphy, Karl Toce, Zac Haig, James Rausa, Jeremy Grocott and Kyle Wignell among others. The key change from 2019 is spearhead Jack Purcell moving on, where he’s since linked with Southern league club Ashwood. Purcell booted 48 goals in 2019 to go with 77 in the 2017 premiership year. But his former partner in crime Murphy is said to be primed for a big year, after a return of 47 majors in 2019 alongside 42 and 89 the two seasons prior.
“We’re more than comfortable in our goal-firing capacity. We’ve got talls and some small crumbing forwards who can work well,” Collins said. “(Murphy) is in very good form, he’s done a lot of pre-season and he’s up and about and in a really good space … and we’re comfortable we’ve got some good young kids coming through over the past 18 months.”
Alongside Collins will be ex-Balwyn star and decorated Box Hill great Steve Kenna, who’ll serve as a playing-assistant coach. “He’s just a great leader and he’s there for the education of the young blokes, so he’s been a big bonus for us,” Collins said.
And an all-too-familiar name has found his way back to the club, with Frankston VFL-listed tall Billy McCormack nominating the Magpies as his local club, where the family name is synonymous. McCormack makes the move back from Doncaster where he was previously aligned and is expected to play the bulk of his footy in the state league.
“I’m not sure we’re going to see too much of him because he’s a good player and I’d imagine he’ll be a key post in Frankston’s seniors all year,” Collins said. “All his mates are here and it’s just good seeing a young bloke having fun with his mates.”
With a core group of players from the club’s ‘17 senior Division 4 flag to go with returning names from 2016 and ‘17 under-19 flag sides, Collins is confident the basis is there for the club to make strides in 2021.
“We’d be very disappointed if we aren’t in finals contention – we’ve worked pretty hard. Once you get into the top four, anything can happen in this division … it’s really even and anyone can win,” he said.
“Players are in good form, they’ve looked after themselves, we’re pretty quick, we’ve got a good spine and it’s just a good atmosphere – they’ve missed their footy and things are working out all right.”
Donvale opens its season away to the Waverley Blues on April 10.
It’s been a long lead-in for Collins, who was appointed to the head coaching role in August 2019 after a previous stint which yielded flags in 1994 in Division 2 and 1996 in the top-tier, to go with an under-19s premiership in 2017.
Despite the lengthy lay-off, the Magpies will again be boosted by returning premiership names Nick Murphy, Karl Toce, Zac Haig, James Rausa, Jeremy Grocott and Kyle Wignell among others. The key change from 2019 is spearhead Jack Purcell moving on, where he’s since linked with Southern league club Ashwood. Purcell booted 48 goals in 2019 to go with 77 in the 2017 premiership year. But his former partner in crime Murphy is said to be primed for a big year, after a return of 47 majors in 2019 alongside 42 and 89 the two seasons prior.
“We’re more than comfortable in our goal-firing capacity. We’ve got talls and some small crumbing forwards who can work well,” Collins said. “(Murphy) is in very good form, he’s done a lot of pre-season and he’s up and about and in a really good space … and we’re comfortable we’ve got some good young kids coming through over the past 18 months.”
Alongside Collins will be ex-Balwyn star and decorated Box Hill great Steve Kenna, who’ll serve as a playing-assistant coach. “He’s just a great leader and he’s there for the education of the young blokes, so he’s been a big bonus for us,” Collins said.
And an all-too-familiar name has found his way back to the club, with Frankston VFL-listed tall Billy McCormack nominating the Magpies as his local club, where the family name is synonymous. McCormack makes the move back from Doncaster where he was previously aligned and is expected to play the bulk of his footy in the state league.
“I’m not sure we’re going to see too much of him because he’s a good player and I’d imagine he’ll be a key post in Frankston’s seniors all year,” Collins said. “All his mates are here and it’s just good seeing a young bloke having fun with his mates.”
With a core group of players from the club’s ‘17 senior Division 4 flag to go with returning names from 2016 and ‘17 under-19 flag sides, Collins is confident the basis is there for the club to make strides in 2021.
“We’d be very disappointed if we aren’t in finals contention – we’ve worked pretty hard. Once you get into the top four, anything can happen in this division … it’s really even and anyone can win,” he said.
“Players are in good form, they’ve looked after themselves, we’re pretty quick, we’ve got a good spine and it’s just a good atmosphere – they’ve missed their footy and things are working out all right.”
Donvale opens its season away to the Waverley Blues on April 10.
2019 AGM & COMMITTEE UPDATE
Our AGM's were held on October 9th. Most of the committee members have chosen to carry on their roles and we thank them for their ongoing support. There are however two significant changes.
After five successive year's as President, John Giles has passed the baton to Tony Pinwill. There aren't enough words to thank John properly for what he has done for our club. He will be continuing on committee and in fact will be our 2020 Vice President, supporting Tony in football operations and other matters.
Tony of course re-joined our committee during 2019 as Vice President and has a long a storied history as a player and past Premiership President of Donvale. He's also been a Premiership President at Box Hill in the VFL and is going to be a great successor to John. Tony sets high standards and will continue grow and develop our club.
Rob Peak has generously stepped forward to take over Treasurer responsibilities from Hayden Cotsford. Rob coming on board is another great coup for Donvale. He has great experience with football at club and EFL level. Rob has been both President and Treasurer at East Burwood football club and is a life member and former President of the EFL. Rob and Kim have been involved at Donvale in recent years as their daughter plays in one of our junior girls sides. We are delighted to have them involved in our club in such a significant manner.
A debt of thanks to Hayden Cotsford who has been Treasurer for many years. "Cotties" is also our Auskick co-ordinator and still plays in our senior team, so is well deserving of a break from full on Treasurer duties. He will still of course help out around the place but will no longer be on committee. Thanks to Hayden and to Erin for their great support.
Adrian Daniels continues as Junior President and we thank he and Karen for their ongoing service.
After five successive year's as President, John Giles has passed the baton to Tony Pinwill. There aren't enough words to thank John properly for what he has done for our club. He will be continuing on committee and in fact will be our 2020 Vice President, supporting Tony in football operations and other matters.
Tony of course re-joined our committee during 2019 as Vice President and has a long a storied history as a player and past Premiership President of Donvale. He's also been a Premiership President at Box Hill in the VFL and is going to be a great successor to John. Tony sets high standards and will continue grow and develop our club.
Rob Peak has generously stepped forward to take over Treasurer responsibilities from Hayden Cotsford. Rob coming on board is another great coup for Donvale. He has great experience with football at club and EFL level. Rob has been both President and Treasurer at East Burwood football club and is a life member and former President of the EFL. Rob and Kim have been involved at Donvale in recent years as their daughter plays in one of our junior girls sides. We are delighted to have them involved in our club in such a significant manner.
A debt of thanks to Hayden Cotsford who has been Treasurer for many years. "Cotties" is also our Auskick co-ordinator and still plays in our senior team, so is well deserving of a break from full on Treasurer duties. He will still of course help out around the place but will no longer be on committee. Thanks to Hayden and to Erin for their great support.
Adrian Daniels continues as Junior President and we thank he and Karen for their ongoing service.
2019 PRESENTATION NIGHT RESULTS
Congratulations to all our award winners!!!
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Best & Fairest Winners
Senior Women - Felicity Neligan Senior Men - Ethan Duncan Reserves Women - Pam Ikosidekas Reserves Men - Josh Hocking Under 19's - Sam Goldsmith |
Best & Fairest Runners-up
Senior Women - Natalie Laurie Senior Men - Zac Haig Reserves Women - Stephanie Wolff Reserves Men - Justin Wade Under 19's - Noah Ebzery |
Best Finals Player
Reserves Men - Michael Trkulja Under 19's - Caleb Fitzpatrick |
Other Award Winners
Emily Irwin (Most Courageous - Senior Women)
Nathan Mill (Best Team Player - Senior Men)
Chloe McNamara (Coaches Award - Reserves Women)
Josh Tuahn (Coaches Award - Reserves Men)
Jack Cuthbert (Best Team Player - Under 19's
Emily Irwin (Most Courageous - Senior Women)
Nathan Mill (Best Team Player - Senior Men)
Chloe McNamara (Coaches Award - Reserves Women)
Josh Tuahn (Coaches Award - Reserves Men)
Jack Cuthbert (Best Team Player - Under 19's
Craig Thomas Memorial Award - Best Clubman
James Rausa
James Rausa
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PREMIERS
2017 DIVISION 4 SENIORS 
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RUNNERS-UP
2017 DIVISION 4 RESERVES 
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PREMIERS
2017 DIVISION 4 UNDER 19'S 
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