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Contact us
Email president@hk-dragons.com with any club news or gossip from around the lair.
Spier tackled
The Dragons future looks brighter after the fittest woman in Hong Kong and the Fittest Man in Asia (but not his own family) welcomed baby number two into their household. Riggsy and Nerida, at 12:26 on 04 February 2009, now have a little boy, Kai Spier Rigg. He weighed in at 3.3 kg (7.3 lbs) and arrived after a relatively short labour of 3 hours.
"His Mum is doing exceptionally well and our little man Kai is spending every waking moment feeding. His Dad is on top of the world and feels like he is the luckiest man alive to be raising a future Collingwood Captain," said decorated Dragons champion, Graeme Rigg, speaking in the third person (we presume ..... and, ummmm, hope).
Early reports also suggest that talk of a Rigg retirement may have been premature. The Firebreather has heard he may be back in full swing for tilt at season 09. We hope so.
Season 2009 is here
Footy is back! The season is here. After a massive viral email campaign launched by the Dragons led to better AFL coverage in Asia in 2008, the Australia Network has gone one better and is this year covering the pre-season competition. We commend the channel and urge all Dragons and fans to get down to Bulldogs to watch the games. Club emails will be sent out notifying you of meeting times. This week is the big opener of the season, 6pm Saturday (Feb 7) Eagles v Collingwood. See you there.
And don't forget to check out the Dragons display area, complete with playing jumper, in the glass cabinet on the left as you walk in.
Injury report
Itinerant journeyman and avid trainer 'DJ' Robbie Burns is half the man he was a season ago after sticking to an impressive fitness regime. But his plans for a quick start to season 09 are on the back foot after a ski accident in Japan left him with a leg injury.
Farmer in DB
Rumour file: Former club president Farm is believed to be relocating to the remote wilds of Disco Bay to live among the oxen and golf carts. Apparently the lure of drinking on a boat every day was just too tempting.
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Behind the scenes
While the off-season slumbers, your committee has been hard at work. Tour schedules are being finalised, and a few clubs have expressed an interest in touring to Hong Kong mid-season. The framework for the year hinges largely on the venue of the Asian Champs, with KL currently looking the favourite over Angeles City, Philippines. Elsewhere, management has been frantically trying to secure its sponsors for 2009. Despite the tougher economic conditions, we are optimistic we can retain or bolster our sponsorship levels in the year ahead. We are also aiming to have our playing kit, merchandise and membership issues put firmly in place for the start of season 2009.
Players pop the question
The Firebreather has the exclusive scoop that Matty Feeney has popped the question to girlfriend Lucy. The king of romance did the deed on Xmas Eve in Niseko, Japan.
We also bring news that Colin Mitchell has also taken the same route with girlfiriend of three years, Bo. All the best to the happy couples.
Unearthed - a history of the best
The Dragons have rediscovered their oldest piece of silverware - well, brassware. The Fairest and Best trophy dating back to the club's foundation in 1990 has surfaced and is now displayed in the Dragons new trophy cabinet area at Bulldogs, LKF. The trophy has been repaired and engraved with the full list of winners.
Bulldogs have set aside an area of the merchandising cabinet to house Dragons trophies and paraphenalia, giving the club great exposure and a place to store the 2009 Asian Champs cup! We will add a team jumper and other items soon.
Check out the website History/Honours section to see the newly updated list of club Fairest and best winners
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dating back to 1990 (previously only included winners post-2002).
Former Clubman breeding
2004 Clubman of the Year Dave Rial has recently revealed to the Firebreather that his wife B' is expecting their second child. Only at the pre-bump phase now but a sibling for their one-year-old girl is forthcoming. Life in Discovery Bay has that effect.
Gribble: More baby dribble
Anita Gribble gave birth to a boy (Louis) on Thurday morning (Dec 11). The stats sheet: 3.73 kg (8lb 3), 53 cm, 1.5 hr labour. Everyone is healthy and happy down in Singapore, including papa Sam Gribble, who provided the following insight, "He has big hands that bear remarkable similarities to Buddy Franklin's at the same age."
NOTE: Go to Player Profiles to check out new Sam Gribble profile.
Feeney delivering
Veteran Dragon and champion wingman Matt Feeney is an expectant father. It seems a stint based out of Hong Kong and away from the Dragons for most of 2008 did the trick. Unable to drink in Solas every night, he's managed to bomb one through the middle for a major. We offer our hearty congrats to Feens and girlfriend Lucy.
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Rigged
While Feeney is finding newbies, his long-time companion is losing his. No sooner had Riggsy been inducted into the Life Member hall of fame than he has lost his engraved pewter mug presented for the honour. Unable to attend the Dragons gala Awards Night, Boges duly presented him his cup at the Races Night in Happy Valley. Rigger was last seen accosting cleaning staff and sifting through their rubbish bags after the final race on the card but to no avail. As the great man himself is wont to say: "Composure!"
The Dragons had congregated en-masse Wednesday night in the boozy beer garden at Happy Valley racetrack for a festive season greeting session.
Japan, Philippines in for Champs 09
The Japanese and Philippine football leagues have confirmed they will be taking part in the 2009 Asian Champs. The Japanese were a regular fixture at the Games but missed last year's tournament. The Philippine Eagles have played in a couple of tournaments and hosted the 2005 tournament.
All eyes will be on potential newcomers to Asian footy, East Timor Crocodiles and the Borneo Bears to see if they can get to the Champs. More importantly, no word yet on where they will be held. Manila in fact is firming in favouritism to host the 09 Champs. Malaysia is also a strong chance but nothing has been confirmed.
2008 into the annals
Check out the great photos from the Awards Night on the Dragons in Action Photo Gallery. The website 'History' section has also been updated with all award winners and the 2008 season wrap added to the 'History' annual summary list. The 'Club Info' sections for 'Committee' and 'Contact Us' have also been amended with the new committee members and club email redirections updated.
Going international
This player application was received on the Dragons email account. True story.
"I learn about your website from the internet and friends. I am Popoola Jide, Male, I am 6ft tall, weight 72, i am from Nigeria but presently living in Hong Kong. I am a football player , I have played many games in which i perform so well, I am a player with good skills, Dribbling , Chest control, Body swerve , Flick-on , Direct Free kicks , foot control, juggling a ball, Acurate pass, Long pass, Speed .
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I really want to join your team , these will enable me to display my talent and skills. Can you please give me a trial ?? Please advise me on what to do ? .I look forward to hear from you. Regards.
Popoola Jide".
Chest control? We are impressed. Handy at Fenwicks. All we have to do now is a send a cheque to Lagos to secure the services of this star player. Good to know your annual subs go to a worthy cause.
Israelis tune in
After record numbers visiting the website in September, November saw Israel enter the top ten in terms of viewers to the site (ex. HK and Aust) for the first time ever. Mongolia also made its first appearance in the charts (Mick's new-found friends in the area, no doubt?). Mondays were clearly the most popular day for our dear readers to tune in.
November Top 10.......................October Top 10
United States...............................United States
Singapore....................................Singapore
Thailand........................................Macau
UAE..............................................UAE
Netherlands..................................New Zealand
Great Britain.................................Netherlands
Macau...........................................Sweden
Mongolia........................................Great Briatain
France..........................................Philippines
Israel.............................................Russia
Contact us
Email president@hk-dragons.com with any club news or gossip from around the lair.
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