Contact us
Email president@hk-dragons.com with any club news or gossip from around the lair.
Quote of the Month
If ever you have dodged a training session or copped out on some lame excuse, then take a leaf out of the book of veteran Dragon, Feens. To quote from a text sent the night before boxing session midweek:
"Keen for boxing tonight but I got married yesterday and I am still pissed so the immediate plan is to sober up and see!"
The follow-up tect later that arvo: Will be there mate - I will probably throw up but what the f--k....".
Feens is making Plugger Lockett look soft. Take note and respond accordingly, Dragons.
And congrats to Feeney and Lucy.
More notices
Word is in that Dr Livingstone, Big Dave, has just popped a sprog. More news as it comes to hand.
Soon to join their ranks is veteran All-Asian star Matty Wu, whose lovely wife Viv is now expecting their first kid.
Former Dragon and long-time umpire and club supporter Shane Sibraa has also now got a baby girl.
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Fosters lock in deal
Fosters have again extended their generous sponsorship of the Hong Kong Dragons into season 2009. The Dragons inked the deal this week (Feb 25) and took the opportunity to present Fosters representative Thomas Brunner with the club's 'sponsorship pack' to thank them for their support. The pack included two bottles of Aussie wine and a Dragons-embossed plaque.
Tipping deadline
The Dragons two monster tipping competitions have been launched and deadlines for payment are looming. Check out the news story on our home page for full details and get your payments in now. Queries to social@hk-dragons.com
Auskick
The Auskick AGM will be held on Wednesday March 4 commencing 6.30pm at 63/F, 2IFC, Central. Anyone interested in assisting the committee in the organisation and running of Auskick is warmly invited to attend. The committee would welcome any assistance.
Direct all inquiries - and info on getting your kids involved - to Peter Dahl (who is looking after logistics) via the official HK Auskick email address: aussierules_hkkids@yahoo.com.au
Champs confirmation
This year's Asian Championships have been confirmed for September 5 in Kuala Lumpur. You've been warned. Keep the date free. The other tour already confirmed is May 30 in Manila for the Manila Cup, which this year features our international rivals and visiting teams from Australia.
Another port in a storm
Deano is pleased, nay, f&*%ing stoked, to announce the imminent arrival of a brand new Port Adelaide supporter, on or about August 25th. The birth was evidently planned around the end of the Port season.
"No names as yet my very unreasonable wife Emily has already put the kybosh on Chocco and Fos, even though I think they are very nice names for a girl. Oh well, back to the PAFC honours list for more ideas," said Deano. (Ed: Shouldn't take long to get through that list).
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New balls, please
With Coach Wines as the mastermind of subterfuge and Committee man Bowski as the international mule, the club has managed to defy the authorities and get eight brand new footies into the country from Australia. Last year, the club had ten new balls (that were to be given FREE) returned to Oz by HK customs - but not before they had sliced apart one ball with razors.
Marathon Men
Congratulations go out to Dragons Tom 'Wigga' Stonier and Lee 'Lenny' Pilgrim for their brilliant effort in completing the HK Marathon on Sunday (Feb 8). A modest Pilgrim did not give his time but it is believed to be in the region of 3:45. Wigga managed to do his without training in a very solid 4:05.
"I spent 45 mins in the medical tent afterwards in and out of delusion, my temp at 40 degrees while being fanned by six gorgeous nurses while sucking on some oxygen," explained Lenny, whose toes are said to be a bit of a mess.
"My performance was best summed up when four guys running in shark suits protesting shark fin soup overtook me at 35km," said Wigga. "I need to do the pre-season training for sure," he added.
Tour updates
The Dragons will defend their Manila Cup title in the Philippines on May 30. The hosts have said that the competition will be expanded this year to include visiting side from Australia, as well as our regional rivals.
The Asian Champs have been confirmed as taking place in Kuala Lumpur although the dates are still yet to be finalised. The Malaysia Warriors, who last hosted the champs in 2004 when the Dragons went back-to-back, favour September 5. The other date that has been mentioned by those in charge of ground hire is July 25.
Committee meets
The Dragons committee and Paul Mallia assembled at Bulldogs on Monday night (Feb 9) to drive the big navy blue and red bus that is the Dragons. Training, attracting sponsorship in a tough enviroment, ground availabliity, home and away tours and social events dominated discussions. Training times will be announced shortly but keep the first couple of March weekends free.
Title sponsor Bulldogs have confirmed they will be not only sticking with the Dragons but have increased their sponsorship of the club. Friar Park (AIA) have struck a deal with the club to extend their injury and club third party insurance right through season 2010. More sponsorship news will be announced soon. Fosters have this week confirmed they too will continue their generous sponsorship of the Dragons in 2009.
Also keep an eye out for a footy tipping comp the likes of which you've never seen before.
Boxing preseason
To punch through the pre-season, the Dragons are organising special Jab class boxing sessions. Times and numbers etc are being finalised. If you want to swing a few hooks and get fit for season 2009 - just five weeks away - then email Stuchy on tours@hk-dragons.com .
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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.
Contact us
Email president@hk-dragons.com with any club news or gossip from around the lair.
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