Lindenow midfielder David Donchi has capped off a remarkable 2026 campaign, adding a best-on-ground medal in a premiership victory to his runaway league best-and-fairest award.
The veteran, who previously won a premiership with Lucknow in 2012, delivered dominant performances across both the qualifying and grand finals to help steer his side to ultimate glory.
Last Saturday, Donchi collected a game-high 39 disposals, absorbing heavy physical pressure at nearly every stoppage while continuing to work unflaggingly until the final siren.
Reflecting on the triumph, Donchi described the decider as one of the best finals of his career.
“It was a really tight game, hard fought, and it was great to win such a good match,” Donchi said.
“They were the clear benchmark all season, and even though we beat them at Lucknow, they were still the favourites. It is great to be able to beat them twice.”
Donchi was also full of praise for teammate and ruckman Dion Grace.
“He’s been outstanding all year, clearly the best ruckman in the competition, and fantastic to work with at the stoppages,” Donchi said.
The star midfielder highlighted team pressure and winning critical stoppages during crucial stages as key factors in the win, attributing the club’s success to collective hard work throughout the season.
