Damian McNair and his progeny

Ancient Greek philosopher and poet, the Bion of Smyrna, once said "Arrogance is the obstruction of wisdom". So just how did former captain Damien McNair become a lawyer? We had a few words to the man himself, the sac-waxing Capt. Vague ...

Curious Dragon: What have you been up to since leaving Hong Kong?

Damian McNair: Charging clients plenty for not much.
Trying to figure out how to bring Filipino maids into Australia. And playing Super Rules for Southern Saints in Melbourne.

CD: How did you first get involved with the Dragons, and how did it change your view on life in Hong Kong?

DM: Trels and TC took me down to the club and once the silky skills were on show I was besieged with social invitations.

CD: Your involvement dates back to the mid-90s, and you have been a past president, captain and best and fairest winner. Basically every role other than coach. Why do you think the club never let you coach?

DM: I leave my brain at work.

CD: Most of the foolish acts done by the Dragons over the years have involved you, such as the nude run around Lan Kwai Fong, jumping off a junk in a shipping channel at night and playing football in Darwin when you were supposedly in Brisbane for business. Which of these or the several other moments of madness stands out as your greatest off-field endeavour?

DM: Trels and I came up with the "NO FAT CHICKS" tour t-shirt for the '95 Arafura Games in Darwin. Unfortuantely for most of the Dragon tourists, this has seldom been obeyed. The nude run was special and "only in Hong Kong" accelerated my legal career when my bosses found out through an article in the SCMP.

In his element - a winner in Bangkok

CD: And of less importance, what was your greatest on-field moment?

DM: Being BOG in every Dragons game I played.

CD: What former Dragons are you in regular contact with?

DM: Stephen Webb, Mark Treloar, Garth McClardie, Craig Topp, James Fennessy and the Melbourne High boys we dragged to Darwin (except Webby, all based in Melbourne and playing for the Southern Saints).

CD: Do you think you will ever lace on a boot again for the Dragons, or has Eliza burnt those horrible champagne boots?

DM: On my way out now to check out the new Beckham line with Adidas but am toying with the idea of going with the lime green boots from Diadora as worn by Shane Crawford - icons of their respective codes that I try to live up to. After that I will get a spray tan and a sac wax.

CD: Other than yourself, in your view who has been the best player to represent the Dragons in your time with the club?

DM: The tall, tanned, handsome bloke from South Australia.

In a meeting of great minds, former President McNair was talking to former President 'Farmer' Robertson

Macca quickly stamped his influence on Asian football

The newly appointed coach of the Hong Kong Dragons shocked the sporting world with the announcement that his brief tenure at the helm of Asia's foremost footy club had come to a premature end.

In a terse email to the Dragons committee, Matt 'Macca' Stivala said he could no longer continue at the club because of an unexpected recall to Melbourne.

"Just a quick email to inform you that unfortunately I will be handing in my coaches manual, whistle and whiteboard as I will be heading home (back to Melbourne)," Coach Macca's statement read.

"If anything needs to be done between now and then, please let me know. I am in town for another six weeks," he said.

The statement went on to say he would conclude sensitive merchandising contracts with the club before his departure from Hong Kong.

Coach Macca denied rumours linking him to Essendon Football Club, and tried to hose down allegations he had been targeted by the Bombers' football department as a possible replacement for the ageing Kevin Sheedy.

He has never hidden his affection for the Bombers but insisted "other matters" had forced him to sever on-field ties with the Dragons.

The announcement clearly took Dragons President Nathan 'Byrnes-eye' Byrne by surprise.

"Macca's departure for work and family reasons comes as a big blow to the club, although we obviously wish him all the best with his future endeavours," said Pres. Byrne.

Stivala was appointed coach after his predecessor, Russel Forster, left to pursue a valuable contract in Europe.

The latest departure leaves a vacuum at the head of the coaching panel, with the opening tour match of the season just two months away and the first training session of 2006 looming.

"The club is now torn between looking back to old blood or continuing with its policy of injecting fresh talent into the leadership ranks," said President Byrne.

"We will make a decision before the Thailand tour and an interim coaching panel, including myself, will be in place for training on February 19," he added.

PROFESSIONAL

Macca had made an immediate impact at his new club, winning All-Asian selection at the 2005 Asian Championships in Manila in September and being appointed coach soon after.

His no-nosense, bullocking approach had been honed in the cauldron of A-grade football in Victoria. A premiership with East Keilor seniors was the pinnacle of a decorated career in Australia.

The Dragons were hoping to reclaim the Asian crown under his tutelage, employing his brand of toughness and professionalism.

Off the field, he has been instrumental in developing an extensive range of Dragons merchandise, due to be unveiled before his departure in late March.

The coaching vacancy comes hot on the heels of the departure to Singapore of vice-captain Todd Burgess. Burgess enjoyed an equally abbreviated stint in the role of on-field 2IC, but insists he will continue to tour with the Dragons.

Aspirants to the vacant coaching role can send their CV to the club heirarchy via the email contact in the recruiting section on the mainpage of the Dragons website. Confidentiality is assured.

By Craig 'Bogan' Francis