A Lion’s great pride

Anyone who has been to Brunswick Oval for a Harvey-Brunswick -Leschenault fixture has most likely seen Dominic Frisina.

The die-hard Lion has been at the club since the early 1970s and remains one of the side’s most avid supporters.

Dominic undertook a number of roles from team manager to runner between 1975 and 1981, enjoying plenty of team success during that time.

The 61-year-old admitted the roles added responsibility and weekly pressure sometimes proved difficult, but it was something he did not regret.

“I started as the team manager in 1975 when I took over after Jack Wragg,” Dominic said.

“In 1975 and 1976 I was the reserves’ team manager and runner, and I was also the league team manager.

“From 1977 to 1981, I was the colts runner, assistant team manager, team manager and property man, reserves runner, reserves team manager and league team manager.

“Harvey-Brunswick is a club I have always loved.”

Dominic has many fond memories, including carrying a glass of water for 1975 premiership player Mike LeRoy’s false teeth during games as part of team manager duties.

Although the days of preparing for a game or delivering on-field messages are over, Dominic still attends the club weekly throughout the season and is always willing to have a yarn.

The stalwart – who also works casually at William Barrett and Sons – said while premierships were at the forefront of his mind, people still reminded him of the grand final losses.

“We have lost a few grand finals and the ones I hate most were the ones against South Bunbury,” Dominic said.

“But now, the only one I get asked about is the grand final in 1973 against Carey Park by my boss Errol Barrett.

“Errol will say to me ‘Dominic, remember 1973?’ and I’ll say ‘I can’t remember that far back, Errol. I’m not as old as you’.

“That was a grand final Harvey-Brunswick should have never lost, but Errol always reminds me about it. I really love working there but, they are great people to work with.”

When Dominic is not discussing Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault’s proud history, the Brunswick local would be more than happy to relive his beloved Carlton’s premiership heroics.

The Blues tragic attends as many Carlton games as he can throughout a season and also boasts photos with club legends David Parkin and Peter Bosustow.

“When Carlton beat Collingwood, it’s just as good as Harvey-Brunswick beating South Bunbury,” Dominic said.

Aside from football, Dom is a keen thoroughbred racing enthusiast and also a tireless worker in his vice-president role at the Brunswick Progress Association. Dominic’s love for the historic South West town parallels his passion for the Lions and Carlton, with former Premier Peter Dowding praising his efforts in advocating to develop the Kemerton Industrial Parklands in the late 1980s.

“I’ve lived in Brunswick all of my life, it is where I have been brought up,” Dominic said.

“The community gets behind everything – it is a great place.”