Another premiership caps Curnow’s brilliant playing career

A PREMIERSHIP victory in what was the last game of a brilliant on-field stint was the perfect finale for Sandhurst co-coach Bryce Curnow.

None of his Dragons’ team-mates knew Saturday’s grand final would be the end.

Playing across half-forward, Curnow was still an influential figure in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior grand final on Queen Elizabeth Oval.

As he spoke in the coaches room of the Bendigo Aquatic Centre rooms, Curnow said there was so much to be proud about and celebrate.

A year ago he contemplated what might have been and the next challenge after a six-point loss to Golden Square in the grand final.

“Hold The Rope was our theme for today and it worked,” Curnow said of taking on the in-form Gisborne.

“It was a simple message of all 22 players contributing.

“By not allowing the rope to slacken it meant there’s less pressure on your team-mate next to you and down the line.”

Curnow said the Dragons had to work hard across every quarter to beat a talented Gisborne team.

“They are packed with superstars.”

Winning premierships is something Curnow has done many times, but never taken for granted.

He joined the Dragons last season as co-coach with Ash Connick after playing stints with Kerang, Strathfieldsaye, North Ballarat in the VFL, Golden Square at under-18 level, and Calivil United.

“The decision to join Sandhurst was never based on money, it never has been.

“I looked at a club that had been thereabouts (third or fourth) for several years, but had not been able to reach a grand final.”

Across ’23 and ’24 the Dragons have reached both deciders for a one-one record.

Curnow praised Ash Connick for an incredible level of work across his time with the club.

“The system of play he brought on and the consistency the team was able to play at is amazing.”

Curnow said the premiership was not just reward for the players, but the committee, sponsors, volunteers and fans.

Among his greatest supporters are wife Amy, and their daughter, Goldie.

“For Goldie to be on the dais with me to receive the medal is a moment I will never forget.”

Curnow said he will not miss the aches and pains after match-day, or rehab from injury.

From next season he will team up to co-coach with Lachlan Tardrew.

A sign of Sandhurst’s strength was not just premiership wins in seniors, reserves and under-18s, but also in under-16 and under-14 seniors.

“The club’s future looks exciting.

“We are the beneficiaries of a strong junior program in which a lot the players moving into the under-18s or first year of seniors are fit, hungry for success, and want to learn.

“There is so much talent in front of us.

“Sustained success is the goal across all levels of footy,” Curnow said.

There have been many powerful figures across Sandhurst’s history.

One name not far from the thoughts of many was Danny Ellis.

A gun forward in the late 80s and 90s, Ellis was a powerful figure as an administrator.

His service to the club earned Legend status in the club’s Hall of Fame.

Ellis passed away after a lengthy battle with illness in early June.

“We did it for Danny,” was the ending to Ash Connick’s speech to the crowd