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Buck boost for Hawks

April 12, 2024 11:03 am in by
Former Inverleigh star Adam Donohue celebrates a goal in the 2023 GDFNL Grand Final. (Marcel Berens/Sports Media)

Inverleigh will be boosted by the inclusion of star veteran Adam Donohue and returning speedster Toby Manganelli for its meeting with Bell Post Hill at Myers Reserve.

The Hawks were shock losers in Round 1, suffering a 39-point loss to Belmont Lions at Winter Reserve.

Donohue says the Panthers—who caused an upset of their own—will be no pushovers.

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“I’ve been saying it for a long time; write Bell Post Hill off at your peril,” Donohue told K rock Football’s Beyond the Boundary podcast.

“I think people keep doing it, and we keep getting the shocks.

“They’ve still got some good players; Boe Collins, Jack Yates, those types of guys.

“I understand they’ve lost a lot of experience, but sometimes youth can do good things for you.”

After an impressive performance in the reserves, Curtis Young will play his first game for Inverleigh since 2017.

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After a stint with Geelong West’s GDFNL section, he’s returned to the Hawks this year.

However, Michael Best has entered the 21-day concussion protocol, which will see him miss at least three games, including the Anzac Day clash with Bannockburn.

The Panthers have included Bradyen Staggard at the expense of Brody Washington.

GDFNL: AT SELECTION – ROUND 2

Belmont Lions have made five forced changes for its meeting with Corio at Winter Reserve.

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Co-coach Andy Walsgott (calf), recruits Dave Allitt (unavailable) and Josh Wilson (knee), Jake Wood (knee), and Harrison Thompson (unavailable) are all missing from the team that upset Inverleigh to start the season.

Anakie will be boosted by the inclusion of Geelong VFL-listed Ajang Kuol mun for its meeting with North Geelong at Keith Barclay Oval.

Kuol mun, who was rested from last week’s loss to Bannockburn, replaces veteran forward Mitch McKee.

The Magpies have named Aaron Best and Dylan Fisher, while Will Mahney will play his first game since 2022.

Power forward Lucas Boyd will play his first game for Thomson, among two changes for the clash with archrivals East Geelong.

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South Colac recruit Alby McNamara has been promoted after an impressive showing in the reserves.

Fin Kerr and assistant coach Nick Lynch go out of the team that defeated Winchelsea.

Star defender Josh Sutton comes into the Werribee Centrals team for its clash with Geelong West at West Oval.

He replaces the unavailable Harley Kilby.

The Giants have made four changes. Temoe Brown, who played GFNL with West and North Shore, makes his senior debut at GDFNL level for the club.

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Harry Smith, Billy Higgins and Riley Croft have also been named.

Justin Carey (broken leg), Matt Sondergeld (managed), Trent Archer (unavailable) and Jo Bangura (unavailable)

Bannockburn will have access to Geelong Falcons duo Ryan Perkins and James Hose for its twilight meeting with Winchelsea at Eastern Reserve.

They replace Reece Conca (hamstring) and Tristan Battaglia (managed).

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