Interview With Danny Del-Re

[The Coon Dog]

Danny Del-Re

62 Games - 139 Goals



TCD: G’day Danny & thanks for your time.

DD: No worries, happy to help.

As a kid growing up, who did you barrack for?

Its funny, one of my Uncle’s who’d come over from Italy went to his first game to watch Footscray v Carlton in the 60’s & said that he’s going to barrack for the first team to score. He actually thought he was going to a soccer match! I guess Footscray must have scored first as we’re all Bulldogs mad in our family.

Where did you grow up & who did you first play football for?

I lived in Keilor & played for Crossroads in the Footscray District League. I used to wear the number 7 on my back as I idolized Doug Hawkins.

So, how did you get to Footscray?

The first time, I was zoned & tried out with the under 19’s under Graeme Calverley & Trevor Fletcher. They ended up telling me I was too slow & overweight.

So where did you go after that?

I went to Williamstown & played under Terry Wheeler.

So how did you get back to the Bulldogs? Wheels?

Yes. In 1989 Williamstown had just lost the Grand Final by 3 goals to Coburg at Windy Hill. In the rooms afterwards I was feeling pretty crap when Wheels approached me. I’ll never forget him saying to me, ‘Bad luck about the game, but if I get the Bulldogs job, you’re coming to train with me.’

True to his word, he got the Bulldogs job & invited me down to train; tho there were no guarantees. Things had changed & I had to be drafted, which I was in the Pre Season Draft of 1990.

Did you play seniors in 1990?

Yes, about 8 games in I got selected to play my first game against the Brisbane Bears at Cararra. We won by about 8 goals & I kicked 2 goals.

What are your memories of the 1st semi final in 1992 against Geelong?

Unbelievable! We were cruising at half time & led by 4 or 5 goals, then Geelong went up a gear after half time & won by 7 goals.

How did you go that day?

Yeah, I went OK.

Just OK?

Well, I did all right. I kicked 8 goals, but it should have been 9. I took a mark in the goal square, turned around & put it through, but the umpire paid a free kick against me for a push in the back.

I spoke with Super the other day about the parachute jump. How did you go?

There were 4 of us in this tiny Cessna, Simon Atkins, Shannon Corcoran, Barry Standfield & myself. It had an opening for a door but no door, so it was very noisy. I was the last out & when I jumped I went into freefall for about 10 seconds. For the first 5 seconds I couldn’t breathe & began to hyperventilate. It took about 20 seconds for the chute to open properly & I’ve never been as relieved in my whole life!

Would you do it again?

No way!!!!!!!!!! I hate heights as it is, so once was enough for me.

Who were some of the better players you played with?

• Simon Atkins – He had terrific skills & his vision was outstanding.
• Mark Hunter – He was very smart at reading the play.
• Doug Hawkins – I still pinch myself thinking about how I got to play with my childhood hero.
• Steve Wallis – Courageous & hard as nails.

What about those you played against?

• Danny Frawley – Actually he was one I looked forward to as I did quite well on him.
• Gavin Brown – He was so quick & was always there.
• Stephen Silvagni – He was very hard to play on, wrestled all day & never let up.
• Alistair Lynch – He was a good full back before he became a good full forward, very tough & quick too.

When did you finish up at the Bulldogs?

I played a few games in 1994, but Joycey felt it was time for me to move on.

You came across to me, more of a player who would play his best football if he was playing under a coach that got his players to ‘play for him.’

Without a doubt, that’s why I loved playing under Terry Wheeler. He knew there was a time & a place for a bit of fun, but he certainly got the best out of me. He made me the person I am today, both as a footballer & what I have been able to achieve in business. He was a bit scary tho, particularly if he stared at you!

Where did you go after leaving the Bulldogs?

I went to South Australia & played under Ken Sheldon for South Adelaide. I kicked 97 goals for the season, but unfortunately we just missed out on the finals by percentage. It was a shame really as the club had been down for a while so it was exciting. Kenny was also a very good coach. I only played for one season at South as I couldn’t commit to play beyond that due to business commitments back in Melbourne.

You came back & played with Williamstown, didn’t you?

Yes, for 3 seasons from 1996 -99.

Do you still play?

Yes, I play Super Rules for Essendon & really enjoy it, particularly as we’ve been successful, winning 4 flags in 5 years.

You had a stint as the runner too for the Western Bulldogs?

Yes, Mark Hunter agreed to be a runner for Rocket & he got me down there. It was a great feeling being back, in the rooms before the game etc…The actual running part was tough tho, you never stopped.

Which players ran the other way when they saw you coming?

Westy, he often told me to get lost & Johnno, he just hated, absolutely hated being told.

What are you doing with yourself these days?

Running a food service business, delivering to hotels, café’s, restaurants etc…

What’s it called?

Del-Re National Food Group. We have 7 trucks & we're based in Tullamarine.

Family?

Yes, married with 2 daughters, Hannah 8 & Lucy 3. We’ve got a little boy, Willis who’s 7 months old.

Still follow the Dogs?

Yes, it’s good, Hannah has really started to get right into it now & loves to come to the footy with me.

Thanks for your time Danny, very much appreciate it.

You’re welcome.

[Chops]

No backside or nose question?

Thanks a lot, great stuff TCD

[The Coon Dog]

No backside or nose question?

Thanks a lot, great stuff TCD

No, forgot, tho you do remind me of something. One year the players had their annual review out Altona & a number of them did 'I am the Music Man' skit.

Anyhow, it went like this:

What can you play?

I can play the Danny Del-Re!

Danny Del-Re, Danny Del-Re, Danny Danny Danny Del-Re...... which was accompanied by the players putting a cone over their nose.

Very funny at the time.

[Sockeye Salmon]

You came across to me, more of a player who would play his best football if he was playing under a coach that got his players to ‘play for him.’

Without a doubt, that’s why I loved playing under Terry Wheeler. He knew there was a time & a place for a bit of fun, but he certainly got the best out of me. He made me the person I am today, both as a footballer & what I have been able to achieve in business. He was a bit scary tho, particularly if he stared at you!

No mention of Alan Joyce. I don't think Joyce and Danny would be on each others Christmas card list.

[aker39]

At least his last game as a bulldog was a premiership.

[bornadog]

Didn't play a lot of games, but made a big impact in some great games for the dogs, especially the finals.

Another great one TCD, keep them coming

[Rocket Science]

"• Danny Frawley – Actually he was one I looked forward to as I did quite well on him."

I love it. No, I'm no Frawley fan.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

Wheels was a real Western suburbs person, no wonder Danny played for him. DD was a good pack mark and reliable kick, could have used him after the siren last week.

[The Dogs Bollocks]

Thanks TCD

[LostDoggy]

Good word TCD. Danny is still a cult hero around my family! My sister's 'homepage' is Del-Re's wiki page. Don't ask me why.

[craigsahibee]

I won a "Tommy Sherrin" from SEN last year by answering the following question: "Prior to Buddy Franklin, who was the last player to kick 7 goals or more on debut in a final?" Thankfully I was the only Bulldog supporter in the room.

[The Coon Dog]

I won a "Tommy Sherrin" from SEN last year by answering the following question: "Prior to Buddy Franklin, who was the last player to kick 7 goals or more on debut in a final?" Thankfully I was the only Bulldog supporter in the room.

Congratulations & well done!

[Go_Dogs]

Always enjoyed watching Danny, as he came on the scene around the same time I was old enough to pay serious interest. Was a bit shocked when he got let go in that all I knew was that he was a goal kicking machine, but got to see him a few times in the SANFL.

Good job as always TCD, cheers.

[LostDoggy]

Well done Coon Dog. I love reading these interviews with past players. I remember back in 1993 (I think) I was listening to a radio program that was on at 11 pm which announced the teams - I think it was with Brian Taylor, Macca and another some one else who I've forgotten. Anyway, they were absolutely bagging Danny so I rang up and gave them a serve and they invited me in. So I accepted and was a guest the following week on their show. I was shocking but it was fun.

On another note, a couple of years ago at the Gabba - Johnno kicked a goal in the warm up session and the ball smashed my 5 year daughter in the face. Danny was the runner with the Club at this stage and he gave my daughter that yellow Sherrin which sits proudly in her bedroom. A truly nice guy!

[LostDoggy]

Thanks once again TCD - always enjoyable reading.

Was lucky enough to see a number of Danny's games for Willy. For a player who wasn't overly fast, he used his major assets to advantage: big backside to nudge his opponent out, and strong stocky legs to hold his ground before leading.