Geelong Advertiser | GROVEDALE star Adam Donohue says the Tigers will look to seize an opportunity and break clear of Newtown & Chilwell ahead of their clash on Saturday.
Both sides have won their past five games respectively and both are pushing to be serious finals contenders come the end of the season.
The last time these two sides met at the Burdoo reserve, Donohue booted six goals from the midfield including the final two which saw the Tigers prevail by nine point and claim top spot on the ladder.
“As a playing group we’ve looked at the ladder and we want to beat Newtown to break two points clear because they’re a game behind,” said Donohue said ahead of his 100th game.
“But we’re aware that they’ve got some great form and they’re getting some players back who I’m sure have learnt a lot off of Wojo (David Wojcinski).”
Grovedale coach Craig McCaughan’s primary focus is also on the Tigers month ahead with further challenges against Bell Park, Colac and St Joseph’s around the corner.
He hopes his men can capture can secure a win over the Eagles for Donohue’s 100th game.
“We hope that this milestone, which hasn’t been reached often at this club, will be reached regularly by members of our playing group in four years time but for now this will be the start of something special,” said McCaughan
Donohue, who spent two seasons on Geelong list, has been established himself as one of the GFL’s top talents in recent years.
Ironically, Donohue made his debut on this round in 2007 in the midst of an impressive season with the Geelong Falcons where he averaged 20-disposals a game.
“I remember I was 17, lining up on the wing against Lara and I kicked three goals so it was actually a pretty good game,” Donohue, 25, reflected.
“I sort of had a question mark over whether or not I would return that week to play GFL seniors or under-18s and it was a good start to senior footy playing against men but it was pouring down rain.”
“Then after two years on an AFL list it didn’t take long at all to make the decision to return here (Grovedale) because I was really enthusiastic to play local footy.”
Despite recommencing his GFL career in 2010 off the back of his longest pre-season, the Tigers were on a downward spiral; eventually capturing a wooden spoon in 2012 as a result of a 1-17 record.
“We came to a point in 2012 where a few senior players were asking, what are we doing? Are we going to stay here? A small number of guys just weren’t enjoying their footy,” said Donohue.
Therefore he and the club had every reason to celebrate the 2013 season when the Tigers used a perfect 9-0 home record to break a 16-year finals drought and playoff with rival South Barwon in the grand final.
“The transition from the wooden spoon to the grand final was a real phenomenal year really and I would say that that was probably my best year of football personally,” he added.
