Some say club stability is the key in achieving long-lasting milestones. Others cite injury-free runs, good form and selection. Toronto Dingos founding member Paul Tinkler has conquered all of those things. This weekend marks his 200th Australian Football League Ontario match for the Toronto Dingos against the Ottawa Swans at Humber College South (ball-up is at 3pm Saturday August 24th).
Legend has it, in 1995 during a football trip to England five mates raised the idea of entering a team in the now defunct Canadian Australian Football Association. Tinkler came up with the name “Downtown Dingos” and the others agreed that would be the name of the club; a mix breed of Australians and Canadians. After some recruiting from local teams the Dingos were born in 1996 and finished fifth in their inaugural season. Tinkler has been part of the furniture at Dingoland ever since that year and has seen the league ebb and flow and been part of the high-flying times and all the struggles that come with playing football in Canada.
“I'm thrilled to be playing my 200th game for the club. It is a great honor and privilege,” Tinkler said. “I have been very fortunate to achieve so many team and personal achievements with the Dingo's but most importantly through footy and the Dingos I have made life long mates, that is above all the most important achievement of my footy life.”
The lanky left footer, affectionately known as simply “Tinks” or Tinkalator”, has spent more than 20 years playing football in Ontario, as a player, coach, president, vice president, umpire and club mentor to incoming Canadians. The New South Welshman has played all the way up the spine, but has found home up forward. His Dingo record and accolades run deep: Tinkler has kicked 257 goals for the Dingos (197 for Div.1 and 60 for Div.2); is a two-time Dingo best and fairest; a five-time club goal kicking winner; a two-time clubman recipient; a Div.2 league best and fairest; along with other various All-Star teams selections. The greatest stat of all, if you ever ask him, and he’ll tell you, is the entire six Dingo premierships he’s played in.
President of the Toronto Dingos, Justin Robertson, said off the field, Tinkler continues to volunteer his time, which is hugely vital in running a club. This year, Robertson said, he donated to the club a $50 weekly prize called the “Pewter” Award for best on ground and he was also instrumental in organizing the club’s 2oth Anniversary celebration, attended by alumni and family, a couple of seasons ago.
“When you’re part of a football club, time becomes the enemy when you get older. Clubs need people to donate time to volunteer and play every week. Tinks has always been able to put aside time for the Dingos for more than a 20-year period, which is pretty remarkable,” he said. “He’s one of those guys that bleeds for the club and has been around the club a long, long time. We’re really fortunate to have a guy like him around, so that others can see and learn what a steely commitment looks like.”
Former OAFL president and vice president Dave Wells, who started playing for the Dingos in 2004, recalls how Tinks was invaluable in helping shape the club’s division two team, along with a handful of other senior Dingos.
“Tinks really showed his passion for footy through his efforts with the Division 2 side, always pushing for it to be a legitimate competition where old boys and new blokes could enjoy their footy and learn skills,” said Wells. “You don't achieve 200 games playing for yourself; you achieve it as part of your commitment to the development of footy and love of the game.”
In his own frank self-assessment, Tinkler knows his last game of football is just around the corner, but the competitor in him will want to add his all-time 257-goal tally on the weekend against the Swans. But if he doesn’t add to his tally, he’s just as happy having a beer after the game with his Dingo teammates and the club he helped dream up.
“Footy and being involved in footy clubs like the Dingos simulates so much about life and the club brings people together,” he said. “I am always grateful for what footy has provided in my life and will always give back however I can to the game.”
Proudly Sponsored by:
The Office Pub
http://www.theofficepub.ca/
Our downtown sponsor since the 2015 season, The Office Pub - located in downtown Toronto at 117 John Street - has 3 patios, full food/drink menu with a great atmosphere to watch sport, partake in some karaoke or take the better half for a glass of wine.
The Office Pub is the home for the Red & Black for post-match celebrations every Saturday night during the season, as well as special events including the Australia Day Party and the Dingos' legendary Grand Final Party.
Scallywags
http://www.scallywags.net/
Scallywags are the Dingos' midtown pub and post training refreshment specialists as well as your destination for the BEST international sports coverage, fantastic selection of beers and delicious food served all day and night. Scallywags are also home to Midtown's fabulous, Year-Round Patio which has been recently expanded for your enjoyment.
The Dingos' will be at Scallywags Thursday evenings after training and to catch special events including the games of the Toronto Wolfpack who also call Scallywags their midtown home.
Downunder Travel
http://www.downunder-travel.com/
A proud supporter of the Toronto Dingos since 2008, the fine folks at Downunder Travel specialize in travel arrangements to Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Asia, and Africa.
If you are travelling to any of these locations, please contact the helpful staff at Downunder Travel for the best price around. Just mention you're from the Dingos!
Last Modified on 25/08/2017 01:54