For his performance in the Reserves 2-1 win over previously undefeated Ashburton last week,  goalkeeper David Dwyer is this week’s “Player of the Week”.

David played his first game of the season after answering a late SOS from Chris Moore (due to Rob Perry’s injury).  David wound back the clock with his performance, as he expertly commanded his area and pulled off, what turned out to be, many matchwinning saves.  His composure and experience shone through, and he certainly played a massive part in the reserves picking up 3 points.

David is certainly no stranger to Old Carey.  He has seemingly played every role at the club, from board member, to championship winning reserves coach and, of course, player.  As David discloses in the interview below, he has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the last four previous seasons.  Whether it be the love of the game, or the club for the club and its members, David keeps on coming back and takes up his position between the sticks.

It will be a sad day when David does decide to hang up his gloves, but in the meantime, we caught up with David earlier this week to get his thought on the reserves impressive 2 – 1 away win.

On the teams performance…
The team were really tight and played well in the first half – uphill and into a hurricane. In the second half we loosened up, and Ashburton played better into the wind. We held them out, but should have had more goals. Ashburton had a few good chances in the second half, but they were also saved a worse loss by some good saves by their keeper, who kept them in the match.

On his own performance…
What can I say? I was good! I enjoyed the game. I have achieved whatever I was going to achieve on the Football field. I’m not going to get any better as I get older. So I just go out to have fun, help out, and try not to let the team down. It is a very liberating way to play, without many responsibilities.

On his unhealthy obsession with Buffy…
Unhealthy? Buffy is hot. Willow is hotter! Seriously, Buffy is great television. It raised the standard and led the way for many shows which came after. The characters are real (ironic for a show with demons, magic and vampires). There is an episode of Buffy that is relevant for every part of your life. And sometimes, when reality really bites (Buffy joke), I need a regular dose of fantasy to escape to. Finally, did I mention that the women are hot?

On that hat…
Which hat? If you don’t like that one, I have others. Groucho Marx said “Those are my principles, and if you don’t like them … well, I have others”. I can change hats – I’m not sure about principles. That particular one was given to me by the U11 team I coached last year (they came top of the ladder – not a bad record as a Coach).

On how long he’s planning on answering Chris’ SOS’…
As Buffy said in “The Gift”, the episode when she died (for the second time), “It’s what I do”. I don’t know how long Rob will be out, or Chris request it, but Saturdays are tight, with Coaching my son’s team in the morning, and transferring my children between myself and my separated wife. If I can assist, I will. As Travis said on Saturday, “We are your Family”. It’s more true for every club member than they may realise!

Will the Cape ever return…
Saturday matches are a little too seroius for the Cape. Come to the Legends matches on a Sunday, and support the Women as well, and you are likely to see the Cape billowing over the shoulders. Did the Cape ever really go away? It’s part of me, it’s what I do!

Just Quickly

When did you first play for Old Carey?
2002, in Carey’s second year

What is your best moment so far as a player?
Man of the match in a winning Cup Final for Barnstoneworth Utd, or the save in our first Home win in the Provisional League (I can close my eyes and still see it – I can talk you through it if you want).

…and the worst?
I like to forget the bad moments. I did get a rare yellow card for calling an asian opposition player “dim sim” I think – that was over 20 years ago in another lifetime.

Who is the best player you have played with?
How can I play favourites? I have to admit I am in awe of Frankie’s ability to keep playing at the level he does. And Richard Stanner seems to do things which defy the laws of physics.

Which well-known player are you most similar to?
Is there anyone like me? I have been likened to Simply Red, Ralph Malph, and Danny Bonaduce (Partridge Family), but none of them played football to my knowledge.

What’s the best feature of your game?
My dress sense. I don’t have a bad record for facing Penalties, I usually go the right way.

…and the wost?
The high ball (my life would have been so different if I had another 4-6 inches). Like a Vampire, I don’t like the sun, love Buffy, and hate crosses!

What’s the best thing about playing for Old Carey?
As Travis succinctly put it, it’s not just a Club. It’s Family. Also, when I came to Carey, I was nearing retirement. 10 years later, and having announced retirement 4 years ago, I am still playing. I expect Carey to be my final Club, but I have said many famous last words.

What’s the best save you have made?
There was one in the winning Cup Final, when the striker blind-sided me, and shot hard and low between the defender’s legs. I had only half the usual time to react, and the opposition was celebrating the goal whilst I was pushing it low around the post (I have that one on video). Or the first Carey Home win. The ball came down the left wing and was crossed into the goalsquare. The striker caught it on the full about 10 yards out, and it was heading into the top of the net. I was out and punching it almost off his boot halfway up the field, yelling with adrenaline, as Phil was having a heart attack on the sidelines.

What boots do you wear?
Soccer boots. I think they are Puma. Bought at KMart for $20-30. $150 boots don’t make me play 5 times better, or last 5 times longer.

Size?
Foot size. I used to be size 7, but my feet must have experienced middle-aged spread with my belly. Now it’s size 8.

What superstitions do you have?
If my boots come in a box, I keep it. I wear my own Keeper shirt – bought in England 15 years ago as a practical holiday souvenir. I have a system of putting my kit on – is that superstition, or common sense organisation?

What is the worst injury you’ve had?
Dislocated thumb. A third of my fingers have had mild dislocations. I have been very lucky with injuries.

What gloves do you wear?
Whatever is comfortable , effective and cheap. Current ones are Mitre, cost $15 with skelton look on the fingers for fun. Again, $90 gloves won’t make me play 6 time better. I like gloves that look like gloves, and I know where my fingers are rather than those which look like big paddles at the end of your wrists.

Size?
Size 7, or 8. Sometimes I can fit in a large kids size. I don’t have big hands.

Either or:

Pc or Mac - Pc, and needing an upgrade
Chinese or Indian - Japanese (sushi)
Maccas or Burger King – I’m Gluten Free. Can’t eat either. McCafe – I can have a friend
Bath or Shower - Bath; you don’t have to keep it to 3 minutes!
AFL or Soccer
Neighbours or Home & Away – stopped watching those years ago. I have better ways to waste my time
James Bond or Jason Bourne – Never saw Jason Bourne. Never got James Bond – he was just silly
Jessica Alba or Scarlett Johansson – Jessica Alba. Check her out as the dancer in SinCity!
Wii or Ps3 - Wii. It has helped me get fit
FIFA or Evo? – What is Evo?
Smart or Casual - Casual, with a smart Hat!
Christmas or Birthday - I get presents for both, don’t I? Christmas is Family. Birthday, I don’t have to give presents. Jury is out!
Channel 7, 9 or 10? - What about Channel 2 & SBS?    Channel 7 has The Amazing Race. Ignore all other faux reality shows
Messi or Ronaldo? - Who is Messi? I like to play. I don’t watch much football. I walk the walk, better than talk the talk
Champions League or World Cup? - World Cup. Who is in the Champions League? See the previous answer.
Maradona or Pele? – Pele! I don’t like cheats – on the field, or anywhere else
Shortsleeves or Longsleeves?

World Cup

Who will win the World Cup?
The race is not always won be the swift, or the fight by the strong, but that’s where to put your money. Brazil is always a safe bet – they are always contenders, with points on the board.

Which big team will fail miserably?
As above, England has a track record of promising much, and delivering disappointingly little.

Which team will cause the biggest surprise?
Who else is in the finals? Egypt, if they are there.

Who will win the Golden Boot?
Check my Messi answer above. Wayne Rooney, because I don’t know any other player.

How will Australia go?
Not as well as the media or the Australian public will accept. They will be heroes until they lose, then they will be crucified. Last time getting there and having a win was sufficient. Now we expect it, and anything less than playing in the final will be unacceptable. The media and public will allow them to lose the final, but little less.