YvWater 2026 Season Review | Doncaster

By Josh Ward.

The Sharks showed patches of promise in their return from the wilderness and in their first venture into Division 4.

Senior Men’s

Ladder Position: 6th (5-10, 99.48%)

Best and Fairest: Mitch Wilkinson

Leading Goalkicker: Thomas McGowan (67 goals in 16 games)

Summary

Following a season in recess, the Sharks made a return in Division 4, a division they had not competed in during their long and storied history in the EFNL.

It started off promisingly with three tight losses at home in their opening five games against Croydon North MLOC, Kilsyth and eventual finalist Chirnside Park.

They then broke through for their first win in 686 days against Forest Hill before defeating Nunawading and the KangaRams in their next two games.

Michael De Corrado and Jake Pantas’ men had to navigate a tough stretch of the fixture, dropping their next five games to the top five of the division.

After that period, the Sharks then went on to win two of their final four games, which included their first home win in just over two years against the Zebras in Round 14.

Best Win: Round 7 - Doncaster 20.18 (138) def. Forest Hill 8.7 (55) @ Forest Hill Reserve

Their win against Croydon North MLOC two rounds later was a stronger win, but this would’ve been all the more sweeter given it was their first victory at the senior level in just under two years.

Doncaster set the tempo from the word go, kicking four goals in the opening term before adding another five goals in the second to hold a 43-point lead at the main break.

They then kicked 11 goals to five in the second half to secure a drought-breaking triumph on the road against the struggling Zebras.

Tom McGowan kicked eight goals from 19 disposals in the win while Mitch Wilkinson starred in midfield, collecting 32 disposals, 17 contested possessions, 11 inside 50s and 11 clearances. Ethan Robinson also had an excellent 21-disposal performance.

Key Players

Co-captain Mitch Wilkinson put together a stellar inaugural campaign in the blue and white hoops. Taking home the side’s Best and Fairest, Wilkinson was the only Shark named in the Division 4 Team of the Year.

Fellow captain Ethan Robinson also had an excellent first season, averaging just under 20 disposals per game whilst also being named in the best in 12 games.

Ex-Mulgrave forward Tom McGowan led the way in attack, kicking 67 goals to finish fourth in the goalkicking charts, which included three 10-goal or more hauls against the bottom two sides.

Blake Pantas also had an impact in his first season at Doncaster, averaging a team-high 23.8 disposals whilst also being named in the best on eight occasions.

What’s Next?

The foundations have been set for the Sharks who would’ve learnt plenty in their first season not just in Division 4, but as a squad.

Re-signings have already been announced, including that of key names Wilkinson and Robinson plus other key names such as McGowan and Anthony Minisini.

The Sharks have also begun advertising for U19 players, which if they’re able to get up would be a massive boost for the club.

They’ll have more player points to play with as well, which was a challenge this year that saw them forfeit a game earlier in the year (on top of injuries) against Bulleen Templestowe.

If they’re able to add in a player or two to help lift their defence and support McGowan in attack, then the Sharks will be one to keep an eye on next year.