The Dragons held their annual presentation night coinciding with the clubs 20^th year anniversary on Friday 27^th November at Coast bar in Soho. 50 Dragons and Dragonettes attended the evening to celebrate the award winners for season 2010 along with the naming of the 2 teams of the decade; 90 – 09 and 00 – 09, with a dozen or so players from these two teams present to accept their selection.

Along with the yearly awards four new life members were inducted into this esteemed section of the club for their services and games played for the Dragons.

President Bowski opened proceedings with a recap on the year, Influential Dragon Farmer provided an insight into the 20 year history of the Dragons and band Dragon Bait provided the post awards entertainment rocking the crowd into the early hours with a great performance.

Award winners as follows:

• Ray Wood Best & Fairest Medal: Troy Clements
• Bruce Brown Best Clubman Award: Justin Barbaro
• Coaches Trophy: Jaydon Campbell
• Best First Year Player: Shaun Mcilroy
• Best Underage Player (Baby Dragon Award): Christian Romano
• Life Members: Gary Wines, Paul Mallia, Matthew Feeney, Dwight Stuchbery

The Hong Kong Dragons has attracted many players from all walks of life, however non more eminent than 'The Doc.' Acting as the Deputy Consul-General for the Australian Consulate, David Livingstone has represented the Hong Kong Dragons for several years since his initial secondment, commencing his playing career in 2008, resulting in 16 games
for the club.
Sadly for the Hong Kong Dragons, Dave's time in the Dragons lair will come to an abrupt end in January 2011, where he'll be taking up a position in Baghdad. What player the Dragons will receive in return from the 'Baghdad Bombers' remains to be seen.

Those who have acquainted themselves with Dave will acknowledge his professionalism and dedication to the club. Dave is built like the proverbial however, another side surfaces from him when conversing about say, recent trends in wine making techniques in the Barossa Valley or current negotiations in free trade between China and Australia.

Paul: Dave, thankfully you've not had to use your influence to assist any Dragons with foreign law agencies when on tour (Read: 'An Idiot Abroad'). What general advice would you give to the Dragons should a tour to Baghdad against the 'Baghdad Bombers' be scheduled?

Dave: Baghdad is an historic city of deep cultural significance, and I know these things are a focus for Dragons on tour. It also has bars and nightclubs of dubious repute, but there'd hardly be time to consider them given the number of museums and galleries to see.

Paul: Your football career in Australia. Where and when did you first don the boots and have you always been a specialist ruck man?

Dave: The first non-school football team I played for was Nunawading (EDFL) in 1973. I used to play centre-half back, but I could run in those days.

Paul:  Who was the most talented player you either played with or witnessed during your time as a Dragon?

Dave: I've played with so many really talented players in the Dragons. A few that come to mind are Woody, Stuch, Barbs, Gags, Jono, Josh, and Matty Baron. But that list doesn't do justice to the many others that I've admired, including all the players who play with a lot of heart and never hesitate to put their head over the ball. And then we have the new generation coming through - Chris, Christopher and Thomas, all of who have courage and skill.

Paul: What tour and or game is a standout for you?

Dave: The 2008 Manila tour was a stand out for me as the first tour with the Dragons and winning the Manila Cup. A great experience. The Champs this year also stood out because the guys from Dubai Heat collared me at the end of the dinner to tell me of their admiration for the Dragons. They said the Dragons were the best team they had played in the competition, and that the Dragons never failed to take it up to Dubai physically. Dubai
always had a fight and a tough match on their hands against the Dragons.
Of course they were pissed, but they were heart-felt compliments. Naturally I was pretty proud to hear it. The Dragons are a great team. The players have skill, but more importantly they play as a team and with a lot of heart. It is why I have always thought I wouldn't want to play for any other team.

Paul:  Dave, I've noticed you're a Graduate of the Royal Australian Navy Staff College. Are you still an avid fan of 'The Village People?'

Dave:  A lot of people have insisted to me that the Village People have been replaced by the Singapore Wombats. I'm not sure that's true, but it is something I wouldn't want to test in the showers after a match.

Paul:  Dave, your job enables you to rub shoulders with many people from all walks of life. While meeting the usual array of business people and dignitaries, who's  been some of the more memorable individuals, you've met? 

Dave: In most countries that I work, there's the usual suspects of rich and famous whose decent Scotch I get to drink. But the most memorable are the people who do great things for others. In Ethiopia there's an Australian woman, Catherine Hamlin, who started a hospital for women. The hospital has changed the lives of thousands of people in that struggling country, and I really admire her and the others who dedicate their lives there.
http://www.hamlinfistula.org.au/

Paul: You've certainly left your mark on the club. Finally, any message for current and aspiring Dragons?

Dave: I'd just like to thank the people behind the scenes that do a lot of work for the club - Boges, Bowski, Stuch, Barbs, and others, and of course, the coach, Winsey.  And thanks to all the Dragons I've had the honour of playing with. I am grateful for the welcome and mateship that they gave an arthritic dinosaur, even though my style of play is stuck in a time warp from another  era, and that I've missed some of the key events on tour. It is that
generous spirit that makes the Dragons a great team, and it is a player's good fortune to join the Dragons.

Paul:  Cheers Dave. Congratulations on your time with the Dragons and all the best to you with your future endeavours.

Paul 'Mals' Mallia.

ladders

morning session

afternoon session

The Hong Kong Dragons have pulled off an impressive third position in the 11^th annual Asian Championships in Shanghai on 16 October 2010.  Dubai won their third straight title beating the Dragons in the semi-final and Singapore in the final.

A record 12 teams competed in 2010, up from 10 last year.  

The Dragons came out happy with the way we performed having significantly bridged the gap to Dubai.  It was a shame we were on their side of the draw as we were confident we could have rolled Singapore and made it to the final.

The weekend promised to be a big weekend all round and failed to disappoint, with the first ever game between 2 AFL domestic sides (Brisbane and Melbourne) on Sunday following the international action on Saturday.

The Dragons first game of the day saw us pitted against the Laos Elephants.  Mid-fielders Woody and Stuch showed the way early as we trounced the Elephants to get the confidence up early.  The Dragons won 4.3.27 to 0.2.2.

Goal scorers:  Woody, Doddsy, Tarquin, Jolly.

Best:  Stuch, Woody, Nige, Doddsy, Jono.

Second game was against an under-strength Thailand Tigers.  As expected, the Dragons gave the Tigers and football lesson to hold onto the Hamilton-Reddell Cup.  The Dragons slammed on 6 goals in the 20 minute contest and kept the Tigers to zero wickets.  Dragons 6.7.43 to Tigers 0.0.0

Goal scorers:  Woody 2, Jamie 2, MJ, Jolly.

Best:  Woody, Jolly, MJ, Jamie, Riggsy

Following the two victories, the Dragons had qualified for a quarter final against host team China.  China had been impressive early running Dubai close and beating Macau.  However, the Dragons put on an excellent performance which had the competition concerned.  Ben Howell had his best game for the Dragons to date off half back as Woody and MJ dominated in the midfield.  New ruckman Stevo also was a welcome addition to the side.  Final scores – Dragons 7.4.46 China 0.1.1.

Goal scorers:  MJ 2, Tarquin, Jolly, Woody, Crights, Stuch.

Best:  Ben H, Woody, Keano, MJ, Shaun M.

The Dragons had now qualified for the semi-final and were the only side that the opposition hadn’t scored a goal against.  The draw had us on the same side as Dubai, while Singapore played Indonesia (Bali/Jakarta) in the other semi at the same time.  The game was a fierce contest throughout.  At half time, Dubai led 1.1 to 1.0.  Tarquin kicked close to goal of the day late in the first half.  Stuch and Woody continued their dominance of the tournament and big Jon was standing up in defense.  While the contest continued to be tight in the second half, Dubai took their opportunities more than the Dragons and won the game 5.1.31 to 2.2.14.  The score was a bit misleading, particularly since Dubai kicked 2 goals in the last 3 minutes.  It was a great effort by the Dragons given that nobody could get near Dubai for the past two Championships.

Goal scorers:  Tarquin, Stuch.

Best:  Stuch, Tarquin, Jono, Woody, Stevo.

As Singapore had defeated Indonesia in the other semi, the Dragons had one more game – against Indonesia in the play-off for third spot.  Woody gave a great motivational rev up before the game.  It was decided to give as many players as possible a run in this game and 28 guys managed to get on the park through the course of 24 minutes.  Whilst trying to manage the 28 guys and still win the game, coach Wines did a tremendous job and we kept Indonesia at bay for the whole game.  The Dragons won 7.2.44 to 4.3.27.  Jules Lewis the hero at the end with goal of the day that sealed third spot.

Goal scorers:  Ben H 2, Barbs, Jules, Tarquin, Keano, Wilbur.

Best:  Stuch, Woody, Ben H, Jules, Jamie.

Dubai went onto to beat Singapore in the final running away with it in the second half after a close fought first half.

Woody did the Dragons proud taking the player of the tournament award and Woody and Stuch made the All-Asian team.

The Saturday night function was a sit down dinner which was attended by ex-AFL players Brian Taylor, Stephen Silvagni, Paul Salmon and Paul Licuria.  Sunday was a very enjoyable day watching the Brisbane Lions take on the Melbourne Demons.  Liam Jurrah the star as Melbourne won in the last minute.  All the AFL players were very approachable and a few good stories were told and some great pocket p*ssing had.

Thanks to all the players, administrators, coach Wines, Barbs (tour manager and player) and the rest of the committee. The Dragons will be back next year looking to take back the crown from Dubai.

Michael “Farmer” Robertson

In a big day for the Dragons Carlton great and 2010 St Kilda assistant coach Stephen (SOS) Silvagni has provided a huge boost to the teams Asian Champs preparations attending training at Kai Tak oval on Saturday October the 9th. SOS took the Dragons for approximately 45 minutes running through a number of exercises and drills for the 30 players in attendance. Focussing on ground balls, contested possessions and creating space for running players the Dragons hope to take the skills learnt and advice passed on by the 300+ game great into Saturdays Championships in Shanghai.

In the fourth and final instalment of You've Been Infarmed for 2010 - the Dragons 20th year - we take you to the MCG for Farmer's personal account of the drawn 2010 grand final between St Kilda and Collingwood.

The 2010 grand final promised something special before I had even left Hong Kong for a holiday in Perth on Thursday.  Ex-Dragons vice captain and fellow keen Saints fan Jarran Niel called me from Melbourne to inquire as to whether I would fly to Melbourne if he could get me a MCC members pass.  That was like asking Fev if he was keen for another beer, and flights were rearranged for an arrival in Melbourne on Friday night.

After 3 hours sleep, it was down to the MCG at 5am on Saturday to que up to get the best seats in the MCC members reserve.  With two Melbourne based clubs playing, the line was as long as most had ever seen, curling around the MCG and down to Punt Road.  Gates opened at 8am and the rush for seats began.  As Jarran had reserved a seat, I got one nearby on the wing on the lower deck.  Excellent spot.  Tickets were handed out for the seats and by 9am it was off for breakfast and boozing before the bounce.

I was back in time for the pre-game entertainment and to see JD Fortune and INXS rock the MCG.  It was dry and warm which was a far cry from the 2009 debacle.

Before I knew it, the game was on.  25 seconds into the game Darren Jolly had scored a goal.  Then a couple more.   Oh no.  The Saints then steadied to make it 6 points down at quarter time.

Second quarter was all Collingwood.  If not for the fact Travis Cloke supported St Kilda as a kid, it would have been all over.  Fortunately it was only a 24 point margin.  Comeback unlikely but possible.  The odds on the big screen had us at $5.50 to win.

After the world class half time entertainment of Auskick, the third quarter started with hope that we would get the first goal.  Done.  Then the next and the next while Collingwood sprayed points.  The intensity had lifted.  8 points at three quarter time.  The Collingwood bogan on one side of me did not say a word for the quarter after calling every move in the first half.

The nerves of 2009 had returned.  At least this time it was warm.  I could sense something special as the PA system played 30 seconds or so of the Foo Fighters "My Hero".  Would there be a hero?  Who was it going to be?  Barry Breen was warming up on the Saints bench.  Travis Cloke was sh*tting himself.

A few minutes of early grind in the last before Neon Leon (who we now know got that nickname from boozing in Wan Chai the night before grand finals) kicked a goal with his first kick in a grand final.  An outstanding effort considering it was his third big dance.  It looked like a big enough gap given the intensity and low scoring game.

However, that is when the fun started.  Lenny Hayes kicked a long goal, Milne out positioned Harry for a mark and goal and the Saints were suddenly level.  Goddard and Hayes everywhere.  Then Lenny won a crucial clearance and kicked it to the hot spot.  Goddard streaming down the right flank was in perfect position and flew for a screamer.  He went back and converted to put the Saints up for the first time all day.  He looked to be the hero.  The clock on the silo said 19 minutes in, so plenty of time but the cards seemed to have fallen our way.

Then another point from big Trav made it a 5 point margin.  Collingwood now suddenly seemed to be doing the attacking.  A long kick into their forward line came off hands to Chris Dawes (rumor has it he is the son of Marjorie Dawes from Fat Fighters on Little Britain) who got it to Trav who ran into an open goal.  Saints now 1 point down and the ticker was going flat out.  Collingwood again went forward.  A Dawes shot was touched 5 metres out but knocked out of bounds.  Then Sidebottom had a ping only for Gwilt to mark on the line.  About 2 minutes to go.  The Saints then finally went forward when Riewoldt took a big mark on the wing, then Hayes had a rushed kick forward under pressure.  The ball was kicked from almost the identical spot to Barry Breen in 1966 and went though for a point.  Scores level.  The clock on the silo said 30 minutes gone.  I knew then it would be a draw.  Lots of congestion followed before the siren and the realisation it was indeed a draw.  What a game!  The crowd was stunned.  In something I had never seen before, opposition supporters were all mates - shaking hands and hugging.  We had witnessed something special.

I asked the old bloke next to me if he was here in 1977, to which he replied "and 1948".  How many people can say that?!

What a day and what a game.  History will show we got belted in the replay but I will never forget being at the drawn grand final in a brilliant game.  I am and will continue to be a very proud St Kilda fan and thank Jarran for making the experience possible.

It’s not just mad dogs and Englishmen that come out in the midday tropical sun. A hearty breed of sportsmen in Hong Kong have taken a traditionally winter sport and thrown themselves into it through the midst of Hong Kong’s oppressive summers.

The Hong Kong Dragons have for 20 years plied their unusual brand of football known as Australian Rules. An extremely physical and fast-paced game often dubbed by outsiders as “Australian No-Rules”, it a unique Australian game with mass appeal. A crowd of almost 100,000 will converge on the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (known universally as The G) to watch the nation’s two best teams go at each other for “100 minutes” on Sept 25.

While the best of Australia’s domestic footballers generate acres of media coverage and soar to national stardom, the Dragons’ will be staking claim to the grander title of international footballers, as they continue training towards to the annual Asian Championships.

See article for full details...

019 HK EET_B8 SPORT_final_low res.pdf

Saturday 2nd October 2010: 11:00am – 4:30pm

Harbour View Rooms, 3/F The Excelsior Hotel, 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay

HK400 Adults & HK200 Kids - for all you can drink beer, wine and softdrinks plus a 'footy inspired' buffet lunch & free entry into our awesome door prize raffle. Special door prize for kids as well!

See attachment for details

GF Replay.pdf

Darren and Rachel Whitfield are proud to announce the bith of ther first daughter Isla Christine Whitfield. She was born 8:38am on Saturday the 18th of Sept, 2.65kg/5.8lbs, pretty good for 4 weeks early!
Daz says "We're getting her used to the Blue and Red colours already, I'm thinking we can start the Dragons "Foot High Fan Club" with all the Dragons babies born this year! We'll need to put in the order for another XXXS Dragons guernsey for next year!"

Rookie Dragon Chris Adams recently made the press in the presitigious AIS bi-annual newsletter:

http://www.aishk.edu.hk/images/news/newsletter/lion_vol6.pdf

Harry Matthew Gallagher, son of current Dragon star Matthew "Gaggs" Gallagher, was born on August 22nd and weighed an impressive 8lb 6oz. According to Matt he "looks to be a good key position prospect with a great set of dukes on him!!".

Just like the AFL introducing Friday night football 25 years ago, the first installment of Sunday football came to Asia on 5 September 2010 with the Hong Kong Dragons hosting the China cup.  The China Reds visited with a combined team from Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhau.  The Macau Lightning (or soon to be called Mac-Cowboys) also played.  The Dragons with a solid 42 players entered two teams with the talent spread evenly across both sides.
 
For the first time (after two failed previous attempts due to black rain), we got onto the Kai Tak oval - the place where the Kai Tak rules were invented.  The ground was in great nick.
 
The local derby was the first game of the day between the Fenwick Cats (white) and Wanchai Demons (blue).  The teams were evened up quite nicely by coach Wino and the scoreboard reflected that for most of the game.  The final score saw the Blue team kick poorly, but get away with a win after kicking two goals deep into time on.  Final score was 5.11.41 to 5.0.30.  New recruit from Ballarat Tarquin was liking the Hong Kong surroundings and took a few screamers during the game.  
 
Second game was a break for the locals as China and Macau slogged it out.  China won easily 7.6.48 to 2.1.13.
 
The blue Dragons were then out again to take on Macau.  Not expected to be the closest match of the day was the call from the Dragons cheer squad and it proved correct.  Macau were spent half way through the second half and called the game off, being happy with the fact they had scored and wanted to do some boozing.  Final score was 9.2.56 to 0.1.1.
 
As Macau hopped into the local brew kindly served up by Mrs Wines, the games continued and the white Dragons squared off against China.  China brought there A game in the first half and were right in the contest.  The Dragons went into half time one point to the good.  Winesy was not too upset with the effort as China were playing well, but quietly pointed out a few issues.  Whippet went to tag China’s onballer Belly who was dominating and Stu and M Jacko lifted in the midfield.  Riggsy relishing a run up forward was also providing a target and PK at fullback was stopping everything that came his way.  A few other cameos by almost every player got the desired result for the Dragons and we went on to win 5.5.35 to 4.1.25.
 
Final game of the day was blue Dragons v China.  A handful of players from the game before decided to have one more run for the Dragons for the day which was fine by the coach so we could hopefully finish off strongly for the day.  The Dragons started well for the first quarter of the game but were not putting scoreboard pressure on.  China managed to make the Dragons pay with a couple of goals in the first half, but the Dragons always held a slight edge with class all over the field and fresh legs rotating off the bench.  Half time Dragons 3.2 to China 2.0.  China ran out of legs in the second half as the Dragons took control.  Woody kept adding to his goal kicking list at international level and players all over the field were providing spark.  Will Burgess managed to snare goal of the day in the dying minutes.  The only dark point of the game was a broken arm to B Jacko.  Get well soon mate.  Final score 8.6.54 to 2.2.14.
 
After singing the family version of the team song it was time for a cold beer only to realize the Macauboys had drunk them all!  Superstar Doddsy kindly put his hand up to save the day and race off to the local bottle shop to keep the team and faithful happy.
 
At the presentations Bowski presented the China cup to Dragons coach and captain Winesy and Stuch.  Player of the day went to Tarquin who will be a very handy inclusion at the Asian Champs.  Woody once again was leading goal scorer.  Stuch took out the David Kerr award for most points.
 
Thanks to China, Macau, Dragons team, supporters, groupies and the groundsman.  The Dragons Committee also did a great job organizing most of the logistics that is often overlooked, so well done fellas.
 
Bring on the Asian Champs in Shanghai!

Check out the gallery here...

Farmer

 Sunday 5th September, 12:00 noon

Kai Tak Oval, Dakota Drive (off Olympic Avenue) Kowloon City, Kowloon

See the attachment for details: THECHINACUP.pdf or contact his eminence:president@hk-dragons.com for further details

On 5 September 2010 the China Cup comes to Hong Kong for the first time.

From its origins in 2003 when HK played Shanghai in Shanghai during SARS, this cup has grown in significance and five teams will compete for the cup this time – China Reds, Guangzhou, Macau, Hong Kong Dragons and Hong Kong rebel group the Pok Fulam Vikings (arghh!).

The first game in 2003 was almost cancelled due to the onset of SARS meaning several Hong Kong players pulled out of the trip with the fear of catching SARS on the flight to Shanghai.  There was also the concern from the Dragons key man insurance provider that key Dragons powerbrokers (the coach and president) could not fly on the same plane.  However, these issues were all resolved and the Hong Kong boys were able to get to Shanghai and thump the locals by 80 points.

Previous battles for the cup have seen Hong Kong compete against China in Shanghai 3 times and once in Beijing.  Beijing and Shanghai have also played each other several times.

Sunday promises to be a huge afternoon with some good football on display.  The Farm guide would suggest Guangzhou and Macau will be underdogs as developing teams and Pok Fulam to be too old.  Therefore it should be down to the Hong Kong Dragons and China Reds.  The Dragons at home are hard to beat, but the China Reds are assembling a pretty good side in the lead-up to hosting the Asian Championships in Shanghai in October.

Come down to Kai Tak oval and see the big men fly (or stay on the ground) this Sunday!

Farmer

Being international athletes, it would come as no surprise that the Dragons football club has had a few moments with farmous people.  Here is just a snippet:

• Australian Prime Minister.  John Howard appeared at the 2003 Bali 9s tournament which the Dragons competed in.  This was the first anniversary of the tragic Bali bombings.  “Today is a great day in Australian sport.  Matthew Hayden has made a record 380 runs, the Wallabies won their first game over Argentina at the world cup and the Batemans Bay Seahawks have won the Bali 9s”  Mr Howard said before presenting the cup.  Pity it was not the Dragons who won it.

• Hong Kong racing fraternity.  Trainer David Hayes was a long time player for the Dragons.  It may not be that well known that Haysey played SANFL football.  As he will tell you, he kicked a bag of 7 goals in his last game and then retired as it could only go downhill from there.  Damien Oliver once also laced on a boot for the Dragons while in town in the late 1990s.

•  Conroy Chan.  Conroy played a few games in the late 1990s and early 2000s.  He went on to marry Josie Ho (Stanley’s daughter) and is now a famous Hong Kong actor and musician in his own right.

•  Mark Seymour.  Mark Seymour was present at a tournament in Ho Chi Mihn in 1998 that the Dragons competed in.  Mark managed to get on the ground briefly, but saved his best for the night when he got on stage with the band at the post-game function to sing a couple of Hunters classics.  Dragons rock duo Mega and Macca were very impressed!

•  1999 grand final.  The 1999 grand final in Hong Kong was attended by several AFL players.  Matthew Nicks, Scott West, Brett Montgomery and Andrew Thompson.  They were flown up by sponsor Ansett.  Scott West in particular was given a welcome by the club, being called a finals choker (based on their effort in the 1997 and 1998 preliminary finals) by an unnamed Dragon who West promptly sent tumbling to the floor with nothing more than a push in the chest!

•  Barry Cable.  Arguably WA’s best ever footballer, Barry Cable attended the 2005 grand final in Hong Kong sponsored by Steve Douglas from SMATS.  It was good Australian common sense.  While setting up the function room, Barry came in for a chat and showed player Nathan Byrne that he had not lost his handballing skills by sending him reeling with one in the bread basket from 20 yards.

•  Darwin media storm in 1997.  The Dragons competed at the Arafura games in 1995, 1997 and 1999.  1997 is the year that will be best remembered by the media outlets due to the controversial tour t-shirts.  The team runner wearing the t-shirt during a game in front of 2,000 people didn’t help.  There were several letters to the editor of the Darwin Daily and a cartoon that appeared in the paper in reference to it.  The shirt was a black t-shirt with “No Fat Chicks” written in large letters across the front.  What could possibly go wrong?

Club Stalwart Farmer, knocking back a tin while working on the Tan in the famous Darwin 199 Tour - chek the gallery for more pics...

On Sunday 25th July, former Dragons (and one still presently playing) gathered at the MCG as special guests for the Melbourne FC Coterie Group luncheon held in the Jim Stynes Room. While Melbourne blew Sydney off the park, much intrigue surrounded the gathered international footballers.

The luncheon hosted 140 guests. When the Dragons were introduced, a hearty Melbourneske round of applause 'if you don't mind old chum  - well done olde boy - hurahh' welcomed them. As international footballers, the Dragons all took the attention and kudos in their stride.

Club founder Ray Wood and former Dragon Bruce Brown organised the gathering. Woody even managed to dig out  the Fosters Cup won by the Dragons on the 6th June, 1998 against Saigon. This prompted many interested punters at the luncheon to inquire about the 'myth of the Dragon.' Woody was all too happy to endear those who were in his presence with Dragon related tales. While the author of this article recalls listening about certain heroics of the said game, the Carlton Draught took its toll by mid-arvo, hence I'm unable to elaborate any specifics. By all reports Glen Fleisher, Colin Reid, Bruce Brown, Garth Mc Lardie, and John Thompson represented the Dragons jumper with aplomb.

Woody certainly had many tales to tell, another relating to kicking drop kicks against rather ordinary opposition. Perhaps best I retell that snippet another time...........

Gathered on table 10 were members of the now famed (apologies Farm but it can't be 'Farmed' as you weren't at the 2007 Champs) 2007 Asian Champs winning side. In conjunction to Tony Tere and Dale Cooney were several 2007 Asian Championship players; Matty 'I'm Hard' Campbell, Nathan 'Light Me' Byrne, Paul 'The Falcon' Mallia, Chris 'Angry Man' Nicolay and Shannon 'Shags' Morgan. They reminissed about that drawn Grand Final that went  into extra time, with the Dragons finishing the stronger unit against the Bali Gekos by 17 points. Byrnesy was rather emotional (again), reliving some of those special moments.

As the afternoon wore on, much interest surrounded what Garth Mc Lardie had to say about how the Dragons club song came into fruition. Watch this space for an interview with Garth in the coming weeks.

At the conclusion of the function, the Dragons left behind many new admirers and proceeded to stagger across Punt Road to sample some beers at some of the more iconic post football watering holes. Unfortunately, the security staff took one look at the elder Dragon contingent and entry was duly denied.

The Dragons then managed to talk their way into the trendy Precint Hotel - Bridge Road, somehow convincing a flat-nosed bouncer with pursed lips and a kiwi accent to set aside his dislike for international AFL stars and lower the drawbridge to amber fluid heaven.

Special thanks to Ray Wood and Bruce Brown for organising this memorable event. Quite a number of Dragons travelled vast distances to attend this reunion which in itself highlights the strong ties the club has, be it for present and or past players.

I'm already looking forward to the 2011 Dragons Reunion.

If you're interested in attending this event next year, please contact president@hk-dragons.com.

Paul Mallia

Email to HK Dragons president from Vietnam Swans President Phil Johns: 

From: Vietnam Swans [mailto:vietnamswans@gmail.com]

Sent: Wednesday, 21 July 2010 2:58 PM
To: Dunn, Dominic
Subject: Invitation to the 2011 ANZAC Friendship Match, Vietnam

Hi Bowski

On behalf of the Vietnam Swans, it is my great pleasure to invite the Hong Kong Dragons to be the first international team to tour Vietnam for the 2011 ANZAC Friendship Match in Vung Tau (75 minute hydrofoil ride from Saigon), Vietnam.

This year, the Vietnam Swans played an internal match on ANZAC weekend between the Hanoi Hawks and Saigon Saints. It was a stunning success which attracted the interest of the Vietnam Veterans and a crowd of 400. We also managed to successfully negotiate the political sensitivities involved in playing a match in Vietnam on ANZAC weekend.

It is proposed that the 2011 match would be played on Saturday 23 April at the Vung Tau greyhound racing track (where they used to play footy during the War). On the Sunday, a tour of battlefield sites would be organised and possibly a visit to an orphanage. For those who are able to stay an extra day, they would be able to attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Long Tan Cross. Afterwards, we would watch the Collingwood Vs Essendon match at Tommy's Bar in Vung Tau before returning to HCMC. Depending upon when the visiting team has to leave, transport would be organised accordingly from Vung Tau to the airport.

Please find attached a copy of a presentation that was prepared following this year's inaugural ANZAC Friendship Match which should give you a good flavour of what happens.

We really believe that our footy match can play a significant role in the healing process between Vietnam and Australia. Our links with the Vietnam Veterans are strengthening rapidly and they are extremely supportive of our match. If Hong Kong was able to tour in 2011, we believe it will further strengthen these relationships.

If possible, I would really appreciate it if the Hong Kong Dragons could confirm whether they would be able to tour on ANZAC Weekend 2011 prior to Sunday 25 July (in 4 days time). This Sunday, the Vietnam Swans will be having a reunion at the MCG. The Sydney Swans have invited the Vietnam Swans to their pre match function which we have accepted - and we have also invited a dozen Vietnam Veterans to attend who played footy in Vietnam during the War. In short, it would make an ideal opportunity for the Vietnam Swans to announce details of our 2011 ANZAC Match.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me and I trust that the Hong Kong Dragons will be able to make the ANZAC tour in 2011 to Vung Tau.

It will be a cracker, Bowski.

Regards

Phil 

Inaugural ANZAC Friendship Match.pdf

Welcome to our newly re-designed website! The launch of our new website is a big deal to us and we hope you find the changes useful. 

We wanted to overhaul the look and feel, continue to provide up to date HK Dragons News while continuing to provide some entertainment for ye faithful.

New areas of the website we hope you will enjoy include: 

• Dragons Calendar - plan your whole year around Dragon Events; 
• DragonTube - our own YouTube channel we will be using to post interviews with current players, former greats as well as posting game/tour footage; 
• Gallery - regular albums uploaded of Dragons in action.

Please bear with us we are still migrating the data from the old website across.

Full stats, scores and awards from Manila

29 June 2010 All scores:
China Reds 4 2 26 v Malaysian Warriors 4 4 28
Singapore Wombats 4 6 30 v Darkside Dragons 0 4 4
Philippine Eagles 0 3 3 v Hong Kong Dragons 9 4 58
Jakarta Bintangs 4 3 27 v China Reds 5 4 34
Malaysian Warriors 12 0 72 v Singapore Wombats 2 3 15
Darkside Dragons 2 2 14 v Philippine Eagles 5 4 34
Hong Kong Dragons 9 2 56 v China Reds 1 2 8
Jakarta Bintangs 3 3 21 v Singapore Wombats 4 2 26
Malaysian Wombats 8 2 50 v Philippine Eagles 2 2 14
Darkside Dragons 0 0 0 v China Reds 8 3 51
Hong Kong Dragons 7 8 50 v Singapore Wombats 0 1 1
Jakarta Bintangs 4 2 26 v Philippine Eagles 4 2 26
Malaysian Warriors 8 4 52 v Darkside Dragons 0 0 0
Singapore Wombats 0 1 1 v China Reds 10 1 61
Jakarta Bintangs 1 0 6 v Hong Kong Dragons 11 1 67
Philippine Eagles 4 2 26 v Singapore Wombats 3 2 20
Jakarta Bintangs 3 3 21 v Malaysian Warriors 3 2 20
Darkside Dragons 2 1 13 v Hong Kong Dragons 11 4 70
China Reds 9 6 60 v Philippine Eagles 2 1 13
20 1 Jakarta Bintangs 9 5 59 v Darkside Dragons 2 0 12


GRAND FINAL
Malaysian Warriors 1 1 7 v Hong Kong Dragons 6 3 39

Team Won Lost For Against % Points
Hong Kong Dragons 4 0 179 82 218.29 16
Malaysian Warriors 3 1 133 82 162.20 12
China Reds 2 2 162 108 150.00 8
Philippine Eagles 1 3 94 154 61.04 4
Hongila Dogs 0 4 43 185 23.24 0

Manila Cup match results:
Game 1 Goals Behinds Total
Hong Kong Dragons 4 5 29
China Reds China Reds 4 3 27

Game 2 Goals Behinds Total
Hongila Dogs 1 0 6
Malaysian Warriors 4 7 31

Game 3 Goals Behinds Total
Philippine Eagles 2 1 13
Hong Kong Dragons 9 2 56

Game 4 Goals Behinds Total
China Reds 9 3 57
Hongila Dogs 0 0 0

Game 5 Goals Behinds Total
Malaysian Warriors 2 2 14
Hong Kong Dragons 6 6 42

Game 6 Goals Behinds Total
Philippine Eagles 4 3 27
China Reds 8 5 53

Game 7 Goals Behinds Total
Philippine Eagles 7 3 45
Hongila Dogs 1 3 9

Game 8 Goals Behinds Total
China Reds 4 1 25
Malaysian Warriors 8 4 52

Game 9 Goals Behinds Total
Hongila Dogs 4 4 28
Hong Kong Dragons 8 4 52

Game 10 Goals Behinds Total
Philippine Eagles 1 3 9
Malaysian Warriors 5 6 36

Grand Final
Hong Kong Dragons: 7.4 (46)
Malaysian Warriors: 2.1 (13)

After a few weeks of training, a lot of talk about the upcoming season and almost a late cancellation, the action finally kicked off on Saturday 8th May at St Stephen's College in Stanley. A three way competition was organised between the Hong Kong Dragons and two newly formed teams; Pokfulam Vikings and the Macau Lightning.

Assistant Coach Farmer showing the Coach and Captain how it was done in his day - can in hand.

With heavy raining washing away the supposed venue at Kai Tak over night it was some quick thinking on behalf of the Dragons along with some help from the Australian Consulate that got the day back on track. A last minute back up venue at St Stephens College was arranged and thankfully the football could continue as planned. The day proved to be an outstanding success with the festivities being watched by over 100 spectators. Wives and girlfriends all chipped in to make sure the players were stocked with enough food and drinks in the hot conditions, while children played on the ovals and cooled off in a makeshift pool boundary side. The games were played in terrific spirit, with football being the biggest winner on the day. The Hong Kong Dragons proved a little too strong in their games against the Vikings and Lightning, however they didn't have things all their own way with both teams showing patches of great play and testing the Dragons at various times. The last game of the day was fought out between the Vikings and the Lightning, both eager for their first win. It was a torrid affair with a number of player sustaining injuries. In the end the Vikings proved too strong, much to the delight of their passionate fans.

Final results for the day were:
Game 1: Dragons 9 16 70 def Vikings 4 2 26
Game 2: Dragons 16 8 104 def Macau 6 3 39
Game 3: Vikings 13 10 88 def Macau 3 4 22

The Lightning before their debut in Asian footy

PRIOR TO THE GAME ON SATURDAY
With thunderstorms overnight Thursday ruining the ground we have had to move Saturday's games to St Stephen's College in Stanley. Action will still kick off from 11am with the same format and presentations scheduled for 2:30pm at the ground. Please note that there will be no parking available due to construction work so please take public transport to the ground.

Enter via the main school gate at 22 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley - the 40 & 52 minibuses; 260 and 6 buses run right passed the gate.

Location of the Kai Tak Cricket Ground

The Pokfulam Vikings are in a similar position to the Lightning having not notched up a game of international football until this date. The Vikings have however been quietly going about their business down at Sandy Bay for some years now and with a few ex Dragon premiership players running around in the big V plus a few unknowns they will certainly have the capabilities of giving this comp a real shake on the day. Former Dragon Nigel Mendonca will be one to watch in the big V provided he can keep his hands off Riggsy in the middle!

All in all we are set for a huge day of footy on Saturday 8th May at St Stephens College. Bring the family and kids along as it will be a great day to be enjoyed by all and a fantastic welcome back to footy in HK.

Dear Auskickers, the start of our 2010 season is approaching so dust off those boots and mouthguards and make your way to USRC on the 24th April for Registration

REGISTRATION DETAILS:

• PLACE : United Services Recreation Club, USRC, Garden Room. Enter from Gascoigne Road. Signs and guides will be in place.
• DATE/TIME : 24th April 0900-1200
• ADDRESS : 1 Gascoigne Road, Kings Park, Kowloon. See the following link for details www.usrc.org.hk/index.php (Jordan MTR, Exit B)

• REGISTRATION FORM : Please email aussierules_hkkids@yahoo.com.au for a copy of the form. Registration fee for 2010 is $600 per child.

• ELIGIBILITY : The minimum rquirement to register is School attendance i.e. Reception/Prep. (Not Kindy/Pre-school). Boys and Girls over 12 years age are welcome to register for our 'Junior Dragons'. This group will be run if numbers permit.

• CHILDREN RECEIVE : A 2010 Auskick Rookies Pack, and 2 ARJFC HK(Auskick) Training Tops. The Tops are unchanged from last year, so if yours still fit, please help us save on costs and bring them again this season.

• PLEASE NOTE : No parking is available at the Club and attendance is restricted to the Garden Room only for registration, no other Club areas are available. A soft drink and snack will be available for each child attending registration.

• REQUEST : Please make best attempts to register on the 24th. There is no requirement for children or parents to attend registration. Any responsible adult may submit registrations on their anothers behalf. Registrations will be accepted on the subsequent game days however this will be difficult due to location and available helpers.

• SEASON START : Saturday 1st May at HAPPY VALLEY. The 8th May is also planned for Happy Valley however the entire remainder othe season will be at KINGS PARK.

Confirmation emails will be sent in the week prior to each Saturday with more information and updates.

Regards
ARJFC HK (Auskick) Committee

Keano (right in blue) set a scorching pace for a good cause.

Beating the banana
Although not usually recommended in public, pacy Dragon Brendan Keane beat the banana while in TST to take out the 3km version of the 5th annual WCRF HK Beat the Banana! Charity Run held recently. Close to 800 runners aged from 8 months to 70 years old shared a morning of great fun and energy for cancer prevention along the beautiful Tsimshatsui waterfront while raising more than HK$420,000 for WCRF HK's vital cancer prevention work. At the 3km fun run, champion Keano successfully beat the giant running banana in 9 minutes and 18 seconds.

Live gig
The Dragon's very own superstar, Justin 'Diesel' Barbero will be making his debut live music gig on Saturday 13th March. The lads at V13 have announced they intend to hold a live music promotion night with $13 vodkas and a $1300 tab to be won. Barbs will be playing a one hour set. Get down to hear our guitar hero belting it out. All together now, "You're the Boff, try and understand it ...."

Halfa Farma
Michael 'Farmer' Robertson was one of the Dragons to take part in the annual Standard Chartered (half) Marathon, completing the 21kms in a credible 1hr 49 mins.
(Any other runner results welcomed).

New arrivals expected
Dragons big man Brian Jackson and wife Michelle have announced that they are expecting baby number three mid-year 2010.

Occasional player and long-time Dragons couple DJ Robbie Burns and wife Cris are also expecting their debut offspring arrival around the same time.

2002 BALI 9s

Lining up for the national anthem

After a baron 2001 season, the Dragons re-assembled a committee at the start of 2002. After a loss against the Jakarta Bintangs in Jakarta by 33 goals in May, it could only get better from there on. Third in a four team Asian Championships in Singapore followed and then the Dragons went to Bali in October to compete in the inaugural Bali 9s tournament. The Bali 9s was a 9 a side competition created by the Bali Geckos on a 100m long field (probably created because they have no bigger grounds in Bali....).

The Dragons assembled a small but strong side for the tour with the likes of Hamish Stuart, Graeme Rigg, Damian McNair, Nick Hyland and Matt Campbell in the side. As depth was a problem, we went recruiting in the Bali pubs on Friday night - an exercise that netted a German basketballer and a Scotish bloke no-one could understand!

After winning 3 of the 4 round robin games, the Dragons made it to the final. An early injury to Hamish was covered by smooth recruiting of Duane Stewart - a 150 gamer for Norwood in the SANFL who came down with his wife to watch, and mentioned as he passed our tent that he played for Norwood and that we had the same jumper. That was all David Bowtell needed to hear to sign him up!

The best round robin game was our upset win over Bali where Big Rob Caldwell (aka Raymond's brother) kicked 5 in a demolition job of Bali's greatest ever player Peter Muir.

The final saw the Dragons lose a close one to Jakarta after having the lead at half time. It would have been nice to win of course, but this tour showed the Dragons were back as a force in Asian football.

This tour is equally or more memorable in that it was the week before the Sari Club / Paddy's Bar bombings. The Dragons partied at the Sari Club all weekend and were extremely lucky that the original date of our tour was moved forward a week due to a clash with a 10s rugby tournament on the weekend of the bombing.

There was a lot of emotion from all when the Dragons that toured gathered at the Hong Kong Football Club the week after the bombings to pay our respects at a specially arranged rugby tournament to the eight Football Club rugby players that lost their lives the weekend before in Bali.

Bogan's broken nose was heard from the 3rd tier of the grandstand by none other than Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

2003 BALI 9s

The date for the 2003 tournament was fittingly set for the first anniversary weekend of the bombings.

Again the Dragons had a small squad and recruited pretty much a full Melbourne based footy team from Keysborough on the morning of the tournament to help us out. These guys had been there the year before and went to Bali to pay their respects. They were not expecting to play footy, but cold beer all day was the clincher!

On-field, the highlight for the Dragons was facing Bali first up. Jason McCartney was playing for Bali and there was a media contingent like an AFL game. Front page of the Herald Sun the next day was a marking contest between McCartney and a Dragon. Probably the only time we will make the front page of the Herald Sun, and the Dragon in the picture was one of our ring-ins!

The Dragons came third in the tournament but did inflict the only loss on the tournament's eventual winners the Batemans Bay Seahawks.

Off-field, this was the day Asian football was put on the map. A crowd of 2,000 plus was in attendance, AFL legends Dermott Brereton and Ron Barrassi were there and the final between Bali and Batemans Bay was shown live on TV in Adelaide and Perth.

Even more significant was the arrival late in the day of Prime Minister John Howard, Opposition Leader Simon Crean and their wives. They arrived to an amazing roar and standing ovation for making the effort to come and pay their respects for those lost 12 months earlier and to our appreciation for taking time to come to our football tournament.

After Batemans Bay won a close Grand Final, John Howard presented the cup and said "today is a great day for Australian sport. Matthew Hayden has made a world record 380 runs, the Wallabies have beat Argentina in the first game of the world cup and the Batemens Bay Seahawks have one the Bali 9s!". From there on I stopped voting for Tony Lockett and moved to John Howard!! Legend.

Truely a proud day to be an Australian and a very emotional one for all of us.

Matt Mojo Feeney has outclassed the field to win the second pre-season Dragons squash tournament and in the process win the inaugural Frawcis Cup.

The trophy, named after former President Craig Francis but typically mispelt by the trophy shop, is to be awarded in perpetuity to the winner of future pre-season competitions, regardless of the nominated sport for that year.
 In one-sided final played in front of a vocal, well-imbibed crowd at the HK Squash Centre on 16 March, Feens beat a gallant Julian 'Banno' Bannigan 9-6, 9-1, 9-5. In an earlier semi final, Banno had conceded an 8-2 lead in the deciding third set against the same opponent. But with the pressure on, it was Feens who drew upon his pilot emergency training to keep his cool and do the business.

The Frawcis Cup, named but misspelt after former club President Craig 'Boges' Francis (above)

After a hard fought first set, Banno failed to keep to his game plan of pushing Feens to the back of the court. With famed court craft failing to materialise, Feeney dominated the T to control the game.

Special mention to Jarrad Tidd, who lovingly prepared a huge roll-out banner in support of the runner-up. Sadly, he only turned up on match point.

The Frawcis Cup trophy will be held by the winner or stored at Bulldogs until next year's competition.

(L-R) Feens, Boges and Banno

Earlier reports

The round robin competition has been completed and we now move into the knockout stage of the Francis Cup pre-season squash competition. There has been a three-way tie for eighth spot (although Gags never actually came to the Island) and so Jacko and Wazza will play off for the much sort after 8th position. This game will be completed over the weekend, so the winner has enough time to recover, physically & mentally, before the all important finals.

Played Won Lost

Feens 5 5 0

Banno 5 4 1

Boges 5 3 2

Salty 6 3 3

Colonel 4 2 2

Barbs 4 2 2

Baron 2 2 0

Jacko 5 1 4

Wazza 3 1 2

Gags 2 1 1

Finnegan 2 0 2

Keano 2 0 2

(L-R) B&F Ryder, former Prez Woody, Prez Boges with the perpetual trophy named after the late Warwick Snowden

In one of the finest Dragons Awards Nights in recent memory, the club honoured its good and great at Oboh on Old Bailey Street on 28 November 2009.

The venue was a heaving mass of club members, partners, friends and fans for the open bar, live music fiesta.

Club founder Ray Wood travelled from Australia specifically to present the Ray Wood Medal that went to Dragons Fairest and Best winner, Joshua Ryder.

A clutch of other awards were also presented. The coveted Best Clubman trophy went to the tireless merchant of mirth, Dominic 'Bowski' Dunn. His efforts both on and off the field have been the stuff of legend and he joins an exalted list of contributors to the club on the honour board.

Best First Year Player went Justin 'Diesel' Barbaro. The pint-sized Stuchy doppelganger had a great year. It started with his four hour stop-over in Manila (en-route to his grandfather's birthday in Australia) morphing into a hospital visit after ten minutes of game time with a split chin. It culminated in a BOG performance in Beijing and some fine musical performances thereafter. "Looking forward to coming back next year for a tilt at the B&F," he said in accepting the award.

Leading Goalkicker was Jonathan Worthley, who took his second consecutive gong. A huge effort in Manila preceded a quieter Asian Champs before he sealed the deal with a strong performance in Beijing. Jonno thanked the midfield for feeding him and said he hoped to be around for another season.

Coaches Trophy went to the selfless David 'Lips' Kerr, who played a pivotal role on the sidelines. Whether serving as assistant coach, helping out at training, running water or playing and breaking fingers and tearing calf muscles, Lips was the year's everywhere man. "This is a great club and it is only as strong as the people who make it all happen. Special thanks to the committee guys for all their hard work, much of which goes unseen but I know they do it and appreciate it," said Lips.

For lifetime achievement, the Dragons awarded Life Membership to the indomitable Alfred Chown. Alfie was one of the founding orchestrators of the club in the early 1990s and his work over a period of about five years is one of the reasons we have this great club today.

"I guess it is somehow apt that I am the 19th life member of the Dragons as I did spend a lot of time on the bench during my career," said Chown.

Before presenting the Best and Fairest Award to Ryder, Ray 'Woody' Wood delivered an impassioned oratory on the Dragons early history. Reading from a parched scroll, the club's first president spoke of the people and events that shaped the club, including matches played against visiting navy sides in front of 2000 spectators, with RAAF paratrooper displays. The captivating speech provided and sense of history and gave the younger club members a valuable insight into the standing of the Dragons in the Hong Kong community.

In accepting his award, ruckman Ryder thanked the club for the friendships and good times it had provided, before offering a rendition of "Josh do it, Josh do it."

Special mention must also be made of the jovial half dozen Abu Dhabi Falcons who made it to Awards Night as part of their end-of-season trip in Hong Kong.

The evening then got progressively larger, with the Snowden Perpetual Trophy splitting in two, Diesel joining former Dragons Macca on the mic and strings and a general descent into mayhem throughout HK following. 2009. Success.

(And be sure to check out the updated Honour Boards under our History section, with Past Coaches and Captains now included with the 2009 award winners).

Photo gallery to follow soon

Craig 'Prez/Boges' Francis