One of the original founder members of Melbourne Rugby Club. Born in Prospect Cottages at Osgathorpe, moved to Worthington and later to Dunnicliffe Lane in Melbourne. Dennis came from a farming family and milked cattle for a living before working on earth moving machinery.
Drinking in the Malt Shovel at Worthington introduced him to rugby, where some of the early Melbourne contingent would spend lengthy Sunday afternoons after training at Brook Farm. Dennis remembers returning empty beer barrels to the Malt Shovel after a Brook Farm party and the trailer parting company from the towing vehicle, dispensing barrels all over the road.
After a game at Swinfen Hall (Young Offenders Institution) Dennis drove himself to hospital where his broken leg was put in plaster, and then somehow managed to drive home.
6pm on a Sunday evening proved not to be the most fortuitous time to organise a streak from Dennis’s house to the Alma and then on to the Hotel as Chapel was just turning out on Derby Road. The Chapel goers were not impressed.

1. First position you played in rugby: Hooker for Coalville, but after 20 minutes they put me on the wing

2. Worst injury: Broken leg

3. Best player you played with at MRFC or elsewhere: Paul Lyns (scrum half at Coalville)

4. Best person for post-match drinks, fun and frolics: Garry the Doc

5. What should your nickname be: Kelly (was also my Dad’s nickname)

6. What bad habit do you have: None whatsoever

7. Your sporting hero: Mike Hailwood (motor bikes)

8. Your non-sporting hero: Eric King (a miner)

9. Favourite food/meal: Steak

10. Favourite TV programme/film: The Archers (radio)

11. Favourite book: The Complete Works of Shakespeare

12. Who dead or alive would you like to have a conversation with: My Dad

13. You can take either a book, music or a tool to a desert island. Which, and what would it be: Small axe

14. Dream job: Cruise Liner Captain

15. Tell me something about you that no one knows: I was very musical as a lad but had an accident when 7-8 years old and have difficulty with coordination

16. A phrase that reflects your life: Maybe

17. What sport do you wish you’d tried: Downhill skiing

18. Who would you like to see interviewed for this article: Chris and Scott Walters

19. Your wish for the future of MRFC: To be it’s own boss and independent

Your Melbourne Dream Team of players past and present
Pop Lakin
Garry Fawcett
Roger Lucas
William Shields
Will Judge
Chris Walters
Dave Bonner
Pete Lewsey
Lee Smith
Scott Walters Colin Smith
Joe Livsey
Chris Magson
Ian Watts
Graeme Hardy