Although just playing in the 2010 OAFL Grand Final is reason enough to celebrate, this weekend yet another member of the Toronto Dingos will be participating in their 50th game with the Red and Black – our Coach and sparkplug, Mick McFarlane.Mick’s impact on the field was felt from the moment he joined up with the Dingos in 2007, running away with the Club’s Best & Fairest Award (ending Stewy’s reign of terror) and immediately becoming a team leader inside the huddle. In 2009, Mick officially took over as Coach of the team, guiding a rag-tag mix of veterans, rookies and Wellsys from a middling squad in the OAFL to 2010 Grand Final contenders – an impressive feat for a man who didn’t even known of Canadian footy in 2005.
Mick’s success on the field continued with two more Club B&Fs (starting a reign of terror of his own) and making a name for himself as the club’s grit-man, putting his body on the line game after game as one of the most physical Dingos to play in years. This, more than anything else, is Mick’s greatest asset: his willingness to not just preach the ideals he believes in (to play with passion and intensity at the footy), but to go out and show it on the pitch and lead by example.
Although every Dingo should be congratulated for pulling together in this 2010 season, it seems fitting that the first Grand Final to feature the Red and Black since 2005 also happens to be Mick’s 50th. Congrats, mate!
Visit the Toronto Dingos at www.torontodingos.ca
Last Modified on 30/09/2010 12:27