Dunbar Rovers make it look (D)easy

Whatever happens in the remainder of the 2016 PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues 3 NSW Men’s season, it has already definitely been one of success for the Dunbar Rovers.

Winning the 2015 State League Club Championship meant promotion for the club that play out of Hensley Athletic Field, and they have adjusted more than remarkably well, being placed near the top of the competition ladder throughout the duration of the season, before settling in to third spot and a well-deserved Finals berth.

Make no mistake, Dunbar will not be satisfied with what they have achieved thus far, and will no doubt be out to give the Championship a real shake, continuing this week in their semi-final battle against Sydney University.

Dunbar’s 31-year-old skipper, Robbie Deasy, has been one of a number of consistent performers for the Rovers this season, wearing the arm band and leading by example throughout a solid campaign. Deasy is a rare breed of number 10, an attack minded goal scorer, with a bite in the tackle, and he took time out to reflect on the season thus far.

“We’ve been pleased with our performance this season. At the start, you want to do your best, and you set out to win the league as well as promotion. Having said that, finishing equal second and making the Finals in our first year in the PS4 NPL 3 is fantastic.”

Being promoted usually means you can expect different and fresh challenges.

“We found the PS4 NPL3 standard naturally a lot better than we have previously experienced, with some really strong opposition. Retaining the core of last year’s successful squad allowed us to continue to play the same way tactically. But what we did was bring in a few younger players, a bit of energy across the park, to give the side that mixture of youth and experience,” Deasy analysed.

“We have an amazing coach in Will Cullen. Together with James (Keen, assistant coach) he has a great philosophy on football, likes us to keep possession and play a neat passing game with a focus on attack. He was able to recruit well when we were promoted, bringing in the right amount of youth, and was able to make us gel very quickly. He is a great communicator as well, and gets his message across loud and clear every time.”

Deasy added….“The entire side has played well, we wouldn’t be where we are otherwise. But two of the youngsters who have really impressed have been Gil Swartz and Robert Ezekiel, who established themselves in the side early on and have been brilliant for us. In terms of the experienced players who have played well, a special mention to Sean Burke and Andrew Doddy, but really everyone has done their job.”

Clubs are run by some fanatical people, football lovers who volunteer their time and effort towards the successful operation of a club, and Dunbar Rovers is no different.

“We have so many people behind the scenes that do an amazing job for Dunbar Rovers, and without them we simply wouldn’t have a club. Three of the most influential are without doubt Peter Hennessy, club founder Quintin Freeman, and Matt Delves, who do an enormous amount of work every week to keep the club running,” reflected Deasy.

When it comes to the opposition, Deasy is like most people, an admirer of Hills Brumbies.

“Hills finished top of the league for a reason. They play brilliant football, very attack minded, with quick passes and plenty of goals, and they deserve to be Premiers. Rydalmere Lions are also a great side, similarly they play an attacking brand of football, and are great lads off the pitch as well.”

When you come up against Dunbar Rovers, you just know you’re always in for a tough game, because they are consistent in their approach, high on effort, and are always focussed on the task at hand. Irrespective of the result on Saturday, Dunbar Rovers are definitely a club on the move, and that direction is upwards.