SWFL 2022: Donnybrook to finally start their women’s season while HBL Lions look to redeem themselves

After a delay to their season opener, Donnybrook will be looking to begin their 2022 campaign in a big way when they hit the road to Brunswick Oval.

The Dons will be starting their 2022 SWFL season with a match against the Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault Lions on Sunday.

The Dons were initially scheduled to face off against the Collie Eagles during last weekend’s opening round but a lack of numbers within the Collie camp saw them withdraw from the competition, giving the Dons a bye in the process.

With coach Peter Worsfold remaining at the helm, along with several stand-out players set to return, including Nola Marino medallist Jess Verbrugge, the Dons will be looking at building on their success and potentially making their maiden finals berth.

Meanwhile, the Lions will be looking at redeeming themselves after licking their wounds from being kept scoreless for a fourth game, courtesy of reigning premiers South Bunbury.

The 55-point shellacking was also the second year in a row they have opened their season without hitting the board, after last year’s 33-point loss to Busselton.

Despite putting solid effort into defence and across the midfield, the Lions have been facing an uphill battle on the scoreboard, having not scored a goal since round 10 last season, also against Busselton.

The Lions and the Dons last met in the final round of the 2021 home-and-away season at VC Mitchell Park when the Dons held the Lions scoreless and won by 57 points.