Melbourne born and bred, Dean went to Junior School in Melbourne but was the second year to attend Chellaston School. He played rugby at school but back then was playing football outside school. One day having been dropped from the football match and walking past the Chippy in Melbourne he failed to escape the eager scouting eyes of Bengo and BB. They asked him if he’d like to play rugby and there Dean’s 38 year history of playing for MRFC began.

He went to work at Rolls Royce as an apprentice straight from school. Then spent 3 years working for Andy Fulton before returning to Rolls Royce where he still works.

Dean remembers playing a game at Notts Moderns where he split his eye quite badly. In a semi-patched up style he was taken to QMC by Robin and Dave Clayborn and Big Watty. The Doctor suggested that anaesthetic might be a good idea for the injured Dean, but when Robin asked how much longer they would be at QMC if Dean had anaesthetic, and the reply came back ‘a further two hours’ it was decided by all except Dean that he would manage without.

As far as Dean is concerned girls never got in the way of Saturday rugby for Melbourne, so not many of them lasted if they tried to book anything for a Saturday night during the rugby season.

Dean’s longevity as a player for Melbourne testifies to his character and loyalty, long may his playing career continue.

1. First position you played in rugby: Full Back

2. Worst injury: Snapped knee ligaments

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere: Stuart Hamilton

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics: Bengo

5. What should your nickname be: Buzby (BT Bird) Big up top with thin legs

6. What bad habit do you have: Bite my nails

7. Your sporting hero: Jonny Wilkinson

8. Your non-sporting hero: My Dad

9. Favourite food/meal: Pizza

10. Favourite TV programme/film: James Bond films

11. Favourite book: My Dog Trio (about a sniffer dog)

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with: Gordon Banks

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be: Music – Soundtrack from Phantom of the Opera

14. Dream job: Fighter Pilot

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows: Like going to the Opera

16. A phrase that reflects your life: Living the Dream

17. What sport do you wish you’d tried: Rhythmic gymnastics

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article: Billy Smith

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC: To have a Ladies side

20. Your Melbourne Dream Team of players past and present;

The one that beat Derby in a Cup Game
Roger Lucas
Garry Fawcett
Robin Clayborn
Keith Bonner
Paul Ewins
Dave Clayborn
Pete Lewsey
Ian Lucas
Jake Oxspring
Scott Walters/Stuart Hamilton
Dave Middleton