25th Anniversary Team

The 2010 season saw the Pirates celebrate 25 years of participation in organised Gridiron in New South Wales, and to mark the occasion a 25th Anniversary Team was selected from amongst all the players to have worn the Pirates jersey during that time.

The selection panel was made up of people who have had an association with the Club during its history and included –

Dan Cole – (1986 – 1990, 1994 – 1998) Pirates Founder and first Head Coach

Darrin Mitchell – (1989 – 1991, 1999 – 2006) Player, Administrator, Assistant Coach and now a League Administrator and Official

John Pongrac – (1992 – 2010) Player, Administrator, Assistant Coach

Garry Wilson – (1986 – 1990) Player and current member of the Gridiron Victoria Coaching Staff

Ian Taylor – (1989 – Present) Player, Administrator, current Head Coach

The only selection criteria was that a nominee must have played at least three years with the Club to be eligible for selection. Players were then chosen by groups (e.g., Offensive Linemen rather than Tackle, Guard and Centre, etc.)

In presenting the 25th Anniversary Team its interesting to note that every player selected has represented New South Wales during their career, and almost half have represented Australia in the National squad.

Here then, is the Pirates 25th Anniversary Team –

25th Anniversary Team

OFFENSE
Offensive Line
George BUTCHER (1986 – 1990)	George was a tough and uncompromising player who anchored the Offensive Line during the Clubs early years. Primarily regarded as a Centre he also played Guard and some Defensive Line.
Nathan DCUNHA (2003 – 2005, 2010 – Present)	A tall and rangy Tackle with great footwork and technique, Nathan has been rewarded with multiple selections in State and National teams. He is also the first Pirate to be awarded a football scholarship at a U.S. Division 1 College and played and studied at Kansas University.
Branko IGNJATOVIC (1986 – 1990, 1994, 1995, 1999)	Branko was another foundation player and he formed a lethal tandem with George Butcher in the early days. He mainly played Guard and Tackle and could also be counted on to bolster the Defensive Line when needed.
David KING (1987 – 2000, 2002, 2007)	Over the years David was the core of the Pirate Offensive Line. He played every position along the Line during his career but was mainly regarded as Guard or Tackle. He also saw duty on the Defensive Line. During the Leagues 25th Anniversary season in 2008, David was named as the Pirates Franchise Lineman.
Mark MEDRANO (1996 – 1998)	Mark was an American player with College Football experience and he came to the Club after working with other teams in the League. He was a Coach on the field and his time at Centre provided the Club with much needed stability and leadership.
Tight End
Andrew DOYLE (1990 – 2000)	166 receptions – 2510 yards – 15.12 average Andrew was an outstanding receiver in an era when passing the ball was a secondary consideration. He was athletic and a reliable target with soft hands and a knack for finding the endzone. He spent time as the Clubs starting QB in 1995 but returned to play Tight End in 1996.
Wide Receiver
Ivan POPOVIC (2002 – 2008)	257 receptions – 3673 yards – 14.29 average Ivan was the quiet achiever on the Pirate Offense. He simply went about his business with determination and skill, amassing an impressive resume when it comes to pass receiving and point scoring. When he retired he was the Clubs Reception leader (since broken) and highest ever Point Scorer (still standing).
Dean TOSKOSKI (2003 – Present)	287 receptions – 4464 yards – 15.55 average Dean is now the Clubs leading Receiver and he goes about his business with a ruthless aggression. Never one to shy away from contact, Dean thrives on meeting the opposition head-on. He possesses sure hands and great speed, both vital ingredients for a top-flight Receiver.
Running Back
Kyle PARKER (1994 – 2000)	947 rushing attempts – 5344 yards – 5.64 average Kyle was an elusive and crafty runner with an ability to create something out of nothing. He rushed for over 1000 yards in his rookie season, becoming the first player in the Premier State Gridiron League to do so. He led the Club in scoring in five of his seven seasons and was the lynchpin of the Pirates attack throughout his career.
Sim TOOALA (2000 – 2010)	397 rushing attempts – 1725 yards – 4.35 average Tough and uncompromising but always with a smile, thats how opponents picture Sim. He played primarily as Fullback and paved the way for a group of thankful Tailbacks. During his career he also led the Club Tackle count and won numerous Defensive awards, but its as the rock in the Pirate backfield that he will be remembered.
Quarterback
David WARD (1999 – Present)	2672 pass attempts – 1379 completions – 19239 yards – 238 Touchdown passes David is a cool and calm leader of the Pirate Offense. He has great knowledge of the game and his skill at arguably the most difficult position on the field is unquestioned. His ability and leadership qualities have been rewarded with numerous selections in State and National teams. During the Leagues 25th Anniversary season in 2008, David was named the Pirates Franchise Offensive Player.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Kevin FONTI (1992 – 1998, 2000)	316.5 tackles – 7.5 QB sacks – 8 fumble recoveries – 6 passes defended Kevin was a tough and versatile player who saw time in a number of positions, including the offensive side of the ball. He possessed surprising speed for a big man and, coupled with aggression and fierce determination, was a constant headache for opposing teams to deal with.
Shannon LYNCH (2004 – Present)	241 tackles – 22.5 QB sacks – 8 fumble recoveries – 5 passes defended Tall, strong, and relentless, Shannon is the dominant force on the Pirate defensive front. He has played in all positions along the defensive line and has been named in numerous State and National teams. He is the first Pirate player to have played in the Arena Football League in the United States.
Darrin MITCHELL (1989 – 1991)	No statistics were recorded from the games during Darrins career Darrin was the immovable force in the heart of the Pirate Defense. Aggressive and determined during a play, he had the uncanny ability to revert to a gentle giant after the whistle, but only until the next play. He also saw time on the Offensive Line when needed, and has been a Coach, Administrator and is now a League Administrator and Official.
Dean VALESINI (2007 – Present)	91 tackles – 13 QB sacks – 3 fumble recoveries – 2 passes defended A relative newcomer with arguably his best football ahead of him, Dean has made a big impact in his short time in the game. He is tall, fast and strong which makes him ideal as an edge-rusher – a role that he takes on with great enthusiasm.
Linebacker
Craig CONWAY (1990, 1991, 1993 – 1995)	188.5 tackles – 2 QB sacks – 6 fumble recoveries – 3 passes defended Always with a smile, but always with aggression – that was the hallmark of Craigs career. Craig came to the Pirates after playing with other teams and quickly slotted into the role of a defensive leader who let his actions do the talking for him. He was tough, physical and never took a backward step.
Steve JORDAN (1992, 1994, 1995)	201.5 tackles – 3.5 QB sacks – 1 fumble recoveries – 8 passes defended Steve was a high energy, high intensity player who dominated every time he was on the field. After playing with other teams he came to the Pirates and led by example. He played like a coach on the field and his knowledge of the game and unquestioned skill were huge assets to the Club during his time at the Pirates.
Mick SMITH (1994 – 1999)	512.5 tackles – 16.5 QB sacks – 8 fumble recoveries – 13 passes defended During his career Mick was THE defensive player. He was relentless and aggressive and was a force to be reckoned with on every play. He had great speed and played sideline to sideline, often outpacing teammates to get to a ball carrier. Every play was a personal battle that Mick wanted to win and thats why he was so good. During the Leagues 25th Anniversary season in 2008, Mick was named the Pirates Franchise Defensive Player.
Defensive Back
Damien HITCHENS (1993 – 1999)	246.5 tackles – 2 QB sacks – 8 fumble recoveries – 60 passes defended (21 interceptions – 39 batted passes) Damien was quiet and unassuming, but delivered a big hit whenever it was needed. He could drop into pass coverage or come up in run support with ease and was rarely caught out of position. Given a roving commission by the coaches, Damien had a knack for making the big play with a big impact.
Matt MARTIN (1994 – 1999)	97.5 tackles – 54 passes defended (29 interceptions – 25 batted passes) Small in stature but huge in heart, Matt was an outstanding Free Safety during his career. He led the League in interceptions in his rookie season and patrolled the defensive backfield with enthusiasm and passion. He rarely missed a training session let alone a game, such was his dedication to the Club.
Zeaid ROBI (2004 – Present)	146 tackles – 1 QB sack – 29 passes defended (7 interceptions – 22 batted passes) Zeaid came to the Pirates after playing with other teams and established himself as a defensive leader from the outset. Fiercely determined and aggressive, he has made his mark numerous times at a State and National level, and he brings that passion and heart to every snap of the ball.
Frank TEMMING (1986 – 1990)	No statistics were recorded from the games during Franks career Frank was one of the original Pirates and he made his mark with speed, agility, and aggression. He patrolled the defensive backfield in the early days of the Club and punished any opponent who came into his territory. He played primarily as a Safety, but would fill in where ever and whenever needed, and all with a huge will to win.