The Colts team are having a Trivia Night next month to help raise funds for their epic trip to Perth later in the year.

These nights are great fun where you can let your hair down and join in. Organise your own table of 10 and don't forget that you can bring along anyone - they don't have to be all Donny Heights people.

Remember, this is for a great cause - the experience the Colts have in going across to Perth to the Fremantle camp is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will ultimately be enjoyed by all the boys as they progress through the club. Click on the brochure to the right for a full page copy.

The day was bright and sunny. Painter Pete was excited - today the new toy "Baby" was getting its first airing. Sparkling white was the dawn of a new era in footy ground marking. Would the new technology (wet white paint) beat the tried and trusted old technology (dry white powder)? Could the cost of the equipment together with the buyer's remorse at committee level be justified?

All was going to plan on test run one. Yep, the water seemed to be flowing OK - the pretty white test design on the asphalt at Rieschiecks looked OK (wonder who's going to clean that up?). "Baby" was carefully roped into a trailer ready for transport to Templestowe Reserve. So secure was she that even a trip to the outback, through bulldust and potholes couldn't have dislodged it. Mind you, there was plenty of bulldust at the footy club without the need to go bush!

On arrival at Templestowe Reserve, "Baby" was carefully taken from the trailer and then the real test was on - adding the paint. Five or six nuclear scientists gathered around as Painter Pete proceeded to add water, then the paint hopefully in the correct ratios. Another test on cardboard and things were up and running.

Painter Pete took off at a cracking pace, possibly a little too cracking as the line was on the pale side, but once speed was scaled down all looked well.

The next problem was the goal square, which to be honest didn't seem all that square and as usual, it was the tool's fault rather than Painter Pete's. Bits of Pythagorean principles were discussed amongst the armchair critics and the issues sorted out.

Is it true this labour saving device took Painter Pete three hours to mark the ground on its second outing last Saturday? Some Templestowe committee swear to it - although he probably just stopped briefly for a cuppa!  

As for the old line marking machine, after countless hours of rolling around Reischiecks and Templestowe Reserves, countless early morning coffees and lamingtons consumed by past groundsmen, it was last seen waiting to go to the the last ground in the sky. Vale, old machine, rest in the knowledge of a job well done!

When Grandpas are asked to help out at the local footy club, most would join the committee or some other less strenuous activity. (Apologies to all our hard working committee people!) But not so for spritely 72 year old, Joe Cronin who ran the boundary this Sunday in grandson Liam Smith's first game of junior football.

Joe is no stranger to Donny Heights. He was president back in 1985 and spent about sixteen years on the committee while his own three boys went through from Tackers to Colts. And there wasn't a job that Joe didn't do during his time; from marking the grounds right up to the "top" to the presidency.  For his age, Joe is a pretty fit guy - most of the younger generation would struggle to notch up a 16k run but Joe does this most Sunday mornings in his stride.

Grandson Liam is an up-and-coming cricket star who joins our club over the winter break to help build up his fitness levels. At 10 years of age, Liam is already an accomplished cricketer playing in U13 grades and representative competition and according to his best mate, Grandpa, has a batting average of well over 200. "He spends hours at home practicising his technique; summer or winter; rain, hail or shine," says Joe, "he's mad about his sport."

To both these sporting enthusiasts, Doncaster Heights extends a warm welcome and hopes you enjoy your season of football with us.

Club President Peter FitzGibbon announces that our very good friends at Bendigo Bank - Doncaster East Community Bank have again agreed to contribute to our club for the forthcoming season. "We are extremely happy to continue our long association with Bendigo Bank," said Peter. "This is the fifth year that Paul Thompson (Branch Manager) and his team have generously supported us and it is truly appreciated. Bendigo Bank's contribution will go a long way to offsetting the costs of providing St. Johns Ambulance facilities at all our home games." For all your banking needs whether Personal or Business, why not call in to Bendigo Bank to discuss your requirements. Paul and his team would be happy to see you.

As well, sponsorship manager, Brendan Connellan advises that Silver Star Motors in Doncaster has joined our supporter band. Brendan remembers that Silver Star were sponsors when he played at Doncaster Heights some years ago - Brendan wouldn't quite reveal exactly how many years ago that was! So if you're looking for new or used cars or for all your Mercedes-Benz servicing needs, call our very good friends at Silver Star Motors and tell 'em, Donny Heights sent you.