Volume 1, Issue 1

01/06/08

Your Commuity Club

Word from the

President

1

A Little Fundraiser 1

Volunteer

Spotlight

2

Seniors Wrap 2

Juniors Wrap 3

Netball Wrap 3

Parents and

Players Space

3

Inside this issue:

Dear Dolphins,

Welcome to the first Dolphins newsletter. We are hoping to provide this every few months to keep all members, players, parents, coaches and fantastic volunteers up-to-date ,and provide the opportunity to communicate with others in our club. So if you have any news that you would like to share in our next newsletter, please feel free to contact us.

We have had a fantastic response to May = Membership with our

Word from the President P. Byrne

Visit us on the web!

www.coogeedolphins.com

membership numbers exceeding 500. This means we have a great opportunity to ensure our voice is heard in the local community and also enables the club to more effectively assist in community events.

We have a few goals for 2008. Apart from winning more Premierships we would also like to support another charity this year via a Monster Raffle, especially after the huge success from the Natalie Little Night. Please register on www.coogeedolphins.com for

upcoming events.

Finally I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to all of our volunteers. You sometimes need to remind yourself of the beautiful people who go out of their way to help others. With over 16 teams in both Football and Netball, we have close to 100 selfless volunteers - people who give up their time every week to help the 200 players in the club achieve their goals. You are the backbone to our club and your efforts must be respected and applauded. Thank you!!!

After A grader Arthur Little’s sister, Natalie, was severely bashed and left in a permanent vegetative state, the family needed a specialised van to transport her around. With the help of major sponsor, the Beach Palace, and a junior sponsor, The Beast, the Dolphins were able to put on a massive fundraising night with a monster raffle and a

sports memorabilia auction, attended by the likes of Wendell Sailor, Reni Matua, and Sonny Bill Williams. At the end of the night, with the support of the Palace, the generous people in the local community who had donated prizes, and of course the people who had travelled far and wide to lend their support, the Dolphins raised $25,000 to help Natalie and her family. A great effort for this year’s first Dolphin charity fundraiser. Help-ing those less fortunate is what we are all about. It’s not too late to help; visit www.natalielittlefund.com

Bustling interchange backrower and

crowd favourite…

What’s your favourite…

Team: Camperdown Dragons Player: Gary Burns

Colour: Hot pink Drink: Methylated spirits

Book: Playgirl magazine Song: Any Mariah Carey

Thing to say: Any of Dean Lavery’s numerous witty quotes

www.coogeedolphins.com Page 1

The 9th Annual Sportsman’s Lunch

15th August 2008; 12 midday Beach Palace Hotel

All funds from the major auction will go to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick.

To date the club has helped raise $93,500 for this great cause and in 2008 we expect to smash the $100,000 mark.

Ticket cost will be $110 per person. Should anyone have any prizes or auction items they wish to donate please contact either Trent or Stephen:

Trent Thompson 0413 833 866; trent@eplace.com.au Stephen Crowley 0415385779; crowleysa@hotmail.com

Are you a member yet? Become a member of the Coogee

Dolphins before June 30 for only

$10 and receive the VIP Palace

card. Membership forms can be

downloaded from our website:

www.coogeedolphins.com

With Thanks to our

Platinum Sponsors:

Senior Profile: Jake Bull

A Little Fundraiser A. Talarico

Upcoming Events:

Junior Family Fun Day

7th June

Fan and Sponsor Day

29th June

Junior Football Night

11th July

Sportsman’s Lunch

15th August

www.coogeedolphins.com Page 2

Fox suffering massive head injuries after a huge head clash. He was rushed to hospital stitched up and underwent reconstructive surgery this week to repair multiple fractures to his nose, cheek and eye socket. A great kid who typifies Dolphin spirit and courage. We will miss you on the field Foxy, but I’m sure stories will continue to be told after each schooner you down how you single-handedly won Chiefy two comps. You are a champion Fox, hope the recovery goes well.

I think the boys learned from their defeat to Mascot and a much more resilient and smart team took the field at cold Camperdown oval last Sunday. Poor ball control cost the Dolphins in the first half. With enough chances to put Camperdown to the sword, the Dolphins could only manage a 10-4 lead at half time. The boys turned it around in the second half scoring 44 unanswered points. The most pleasing aspect of the game was the fact that a few people who were challenged during the week shone through. Their attitude is very much appreciated. Players’ player went to Hally while the 3,2,1 went to Gosh, Daggers and Grovesy.

We start to come up against some formidable opposition in the next few weeks. Would be good to see a Gold and Blue army there to cheer us on. See you on the hill and always remember….

“WE LOVE YOU SAMMY FOX!!!!!!!”

A Reserve: D. Bradstock

Uncertainty was probably the feeling head-ing into the first stages of this year’s compe-tition for the Coogee Dolphins 2008 A reserve grade, New faces replacing old and scratchy trial form left many questions unanswered head-ing into the season opener against the

always strong Mascot club, but any concerns proved unfounded as the boys ripped in to reassert their credentials as a massive threat again for this year’s title in a convincing 30 to 8 victory highlighted by strong performances by several of our new lads as well as good contributions from many seasoned Dol-phins. Best on the day included Wade Mogg, Bobby Wykamp and new additions Tim Tilden, Andrew Gillespie and Gary Gill. Jason Sabriani also starred with his slashing 2 try performance. With confidence and spirits high the boys headed into their second home game against Bondi United, determined to give the Coogee faithful plenty to cheer about, and for the first 30 minutes they did, crossing for four first half tries in a good follow-up performance from the Mascot game. The second half was another matter. Dropped balls, sloppy defence, and missed opportunities abounded and although we ran out comfortable victors it was nevertheless disappointing for a club that sets the bar high to coast to the finish line like we did. Hopefully the next few weeks of training will help us remedy all the minor faults in our game and we can become legitimate premiership contenders. Best in a below par performance were Nick Ryan, Jason Sabriani, Justin "Buckets" Williams and young Darren Ah Koui who made a real impression with his aggressive style and bouffant hair! On a different note, I’d just like to take this chance on behalf of all the Reserve grade team to wish the best to Chief, who is going through a tough time right now… our thoughts are with you mate.

A Grade: M. O’Sullivan

“We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the World.”

Chiefy is our brave and sometimes patient leader. He is loved by all at the Dolphins and he is a tremendous man. Our prayers and thoughts are with him during this tough time.

We have begun the year with two losses and two wins; the two wins coming in a most convincing manner against Botany and Cam-perdown, while our loss in last year’s Grand Final reply was probably the club’s worst performance in some time.

Round 1, the team met Botany in what could be possibly described as a mufti day at Coogee Oval. Whilst our troops took the field in their magnificent new strips, with sponsors’ emblems blazing, the opposition resembled a Paul’s Warehouse Liquidation Sale.

Botany were simply not up to the task, with Coogee running in a thousand tries in a mas-sacre that even had anti-euthanasia lobbyists reaching for the rifle. Strong games from Matthew Dagastino, Trent Gosher and players’ player Ricky Bobby ensured Coogee were never in doubt.

Perhaps poor preparation could be blamed for the Dolphin’s poor performance against Mascot in a Grand Final replay. A Coogee team that lacked players “having a go” were taught by Mascot just how far enthusiasm can take you. Some real dumb football, on the back of a lack of enthusiasm and purpose from a few players, ensured Coogee’s fate, going down in a close one to Mascot who scored on the bell to win the game 20-18.

The cruellest blow of all came with Sammy

Seniors Wrap: A Grade and A Reserve M. O’Sullivan & D. Bradstock

Volunteer Spotlight: Tania Nand

Tania and her children have been a part of the Dolphins family for close to five years. In this time Tania has had her daughter, Kirshan, and son, Patrick (future International), play for the club. Tania is currently the manager of the Under 6 Div 5 BG team, and a regular supporter at every training and game day, including those of the A Grade. Regardless of the location, Tania makes her way on public transport without hesitation or complaint. Tania is always happy to help and was the first to put her hand up for the recent Natalie Little Charity Night. Her constant positive attitude and willingness to help makes her a delight to have around. Dean, our Junior rep is especially thankful for the backup, with four Under 6 teams this year. Tania, the club would like to thank you for your selfless support of everything the Coogee Dolphins Sports Club does. Thank you!

First of all, I would like to congratulate Zen Fonmanu on being selected for the Under 15 Junior Bunnies. I am sure he will do the club proud.

This year the Dolphins have fielded a record ten junior teams, four of which are in division one. We have four teams in the 6s, two in the 8s and one in the 7s, 9s, 11s and 15s. We have trained five new coaches and six new trainers, and two of our members have become referees. On the field we have been successful, with our 7 div 1 team being undefeated. In the other teams we have been competitive

Juniors Wrap D. Lavery

www.coogeedolphins.com Page 3

Annette Dilling typifies the newly emerging generation of modern day mums actively participating in kids sport across Australia. The once male dominated coaching roles within Rugby league, Soccer, Aussie rules or cricket are now equally awash with young women like Annette who week in, week out actively guide the progress of young children’s development through sport.

Annette, the daughter of a German migrant never knew what Rugby League was when she gave birth to her two boys; Jack & Sam. Today she is the successful coach of the

mighty Coogee Dolphins U7s. At the beginning of the season Coogee Dolphins, like most junior sporting clubs were short on people wanting to coach a team. The dedication, enthusiasm and patience to coach a team of active young 7 years olds aren’t recognised traits in most parents.

Without hesitation, fear or favour Annette volunteered to take on this onerous role. Every Tuesday, hail, rain or shine we see Annette marshalling her young charges at Coogee oval with the skill and precision of a well disciplined German band. The European approach has certainly paid dividends as her team has started the year in fine winning style.

On Sundays, we now see Annette surrounded by parents and players at all the local fields with clipboard in hand delivering instruction and stirring speeches prior to, during and after her games. The occasion German words like ‘Mach Schell, Wunderbah & Shatz’ can even be heard after a mighty Coogee Dolphins try by those with an ear for Germanic tones.

Annette Dilling you are doing a wonderful job and we at the Dolphins sincerely thank you and wish you and your team all the best in 2008.

Parents and Players Space P. Kofod

Annette Dilling: Supermum and Supercoach

If you would like to see your stories, photos, or notices in our next newsletter, please

submit them to judith.zhang@optusnet.com.au before our next publishing date.

What's your favorite...

Football Team : Roosters Football player: Anthony Minichello Movie: Home alone 2 Song: Tainted Love Colours: Red, White & Blue Drink: Fire engine Food: Pea & Ham Soup TV Show: Fear factor Animal: Sharks Book: Book of Sharks Thing to say: Go Chooks

Junior Profile: Sam Kofod

Sam plays in our under 7s and was a member of our U6 div 1 premiership winning team in 2007. He was also our Josh Iliffe Junior Clubman of the Year for 2007.

an overall win loss ratio of 53%.

Things are looking up for the Dolphins and it is my firm belief that this year will be a watershed for junior teams in the club. We have onboard great volunteers and with this support base nothing seems too hard. We are now a quarter of the way through the mini/mod competitions and I hope we are semi final bound in more than half of our teams. Hopefully we can take a lot of our players away at the end of the year having learnt more about the game of Rugby League and most of all having had nothing but fun.

Coogee Dolphins Netball for 2008 is made up of local girls and

families who play in the Randwick Netball Association

Competition on Saturdays throughout winter at Heffron Park,

Maroubra. This year we have three Junior sides:

Under 9s, coached and managed by Shannon, Ann & Virginia

Under 12s, coached and managed by Kim & Michaela

Under 14s, coached and managed by Karyn & Casey

Our Senior team is coached and managed by Kerri and Jane.

Coogee Dolphins Netball is this year proudly sponsored by the

Crowne Plaza, Coogee Beach.

Netball Wrap S. Heaney

Sponsor Spotlight: Brian Fox The Good Guys

Favourite footy team:

NSW Waratahs

Favourite footy player

Lote Tuqiri

Favourite place to eat:

3 Weeds Hotel, Rozelle

Favourite movie:

The Godfather

Favourite album:

A Tonic for the Troops -

The Boomtown Rats

Likes:

Cooking, cycling, gym

Dislikes:

Sydney traffic

Brian Fox

Supporting the Local Community

www.coogeedolphins.com Page 4

Sponsor Spotlight

Graham Haddrick: Auspak Financial Services

Favourite footy team:

Coogee Dolphins

Favourite footy player:

George Nadir

Favourite place to eat:

Glass Brasserie

Favourite movie:

Let It Ride

Favourite album:

Rolling Stones

Greatest Hits

Likes:

Family and friends

Dislikes:

Sunday mornings after

late Saturday nights

Please spend some time to see if you are able to support the

below sponsors. You can find links to their websites via the

sponsorship page on www.coogeedolphins.com.

Supporting each other is what it’s all about—just make sure to

mention you’re a Dolphins Member to get extra special service!

It’s not what you know, but who!

Graham Haddrick from Auspak Financial

Services has been a huge supporter of

the Dolphins from day one.

This year, the Dolphins are looking to

really get behind our sponsors and

support them the way they support us.

Graham has helped many of us here at

the Dolphins—Stephen and Tracey

Crowley, Albert Talarico and Lisa Steele,

Paul and Victoria Vanni, David Lyons,

Rick and Kathleen Allan, and Emma

Morgan to name a few.

So if you, or anyone you know, are

looking at finance for a house, shop, car

or anything for that matter, give

Graham a call, on 0409924557.