71 years young: Dennis Bree to turn back the clock and play for beloved club in union grand final

At the humble age of 71, Dennis Bree will be kitted up and ready to get on the field for his Palmerston Crocs side in their A-Grade final this weekend. Here’s his incredible story of defying the odds.

At 71 years young, Dennis Bree is hoping he will get the chance to take the field for the Palmerston Crocs in their A-Grade grand final against Casuarina this weekend.

You read that correct.

A 71-year-old is taking part in one of the most physical games against players up to 50 years younger than him.

The club legend has been a Croc since they were formed in 1976 and will be kitted up on the bench hoping to be called upon for the big showdown on Saturday night.

“I’m incredibly excited mate,” Bree said.

“It surprised me how good I felt during that preliminary final.

71-year-old Dennis Bree, sitting alongside the Dennis Bree Shield, is set to play in the grand final for the Palmerston Crocs. Photo: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“I didn’t expect to play at all, so you never know, fingers crossed I’ll get to play a part in the final.”

Bree was a part of the side that triumphed 24-14 in the preliminary final against the South Darwin Rabbitohs on the weekend, playing his part when called upon to help his side qualify for their first grand final since the 2003/04 season.

A hooker by trade, Bree was thrust into the front row late in the game to replace an injured player for an invaluable eight-minute stint.

Bree has devoted his whole life to rugby union, typically playing B-Grade for the Crocs through the years.

A Croc since day one. Dennis Bree, sitting front row with the footy, has been at the club since it was formed in 1976. Photo: Contributed

Prior to joining the Darwin side, Bree played both league and union through school and university in Brisbane, becoming a Queensland Reds fan.

He was a member of the Rugby Australia Board from 2000-2004.

When he retired from full-time work, he said in his parting speech that “I’m retiring to focus on my game.”

Dennis Bree in the action for the Palmerston Crocs in their Preliminary Final against the South Darwin Rabbitohs. Photo: Sideline Sports Photography

When asked what his secret was to keeping the gears turning after all these years in the game, Bree said it’s all about persistence.

“I just never stop, so with a bit of luck I’ve never missed a season,” Bree said.

“I’m not fast, I’ve got no ball skills, but I’m persistent.

An invaluable late appearance from Dennis Bree in their Preliminary Final. Photo: Sideline Sports Photography

“The game today is much different to when I started, it was a lot rougher and readier back in the day.

“Take the example of scrums, today they’re pretty safe, but back in the day I remember we stood back from one another and charged like raging bulls.

“People would say that as a forward, the most important skill to have was a short sharp jab when needed.

Still loving the game at age 71. Photo: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“It’s a much better game these days, much faster and more skilful, I enjoy it a lot more.”

When his body isn’t on the line on the footy field, Bree is involved with fundraising around the club, whether that’s manning the Bunnings BBQ or running weekly Friday night raffles at the local club.

“He is a wonderful humble man who is so dedicated to our club,” said Ferne Nicholson, treasurer of Palmerston Rugby Club.

“He never thought he would be able to get involved on the weekend, so he was so pumped.

“When I saw him playing I just wanted to go give him a hug.”

At his age, it’s hard for Bree to avoid the question of retirement, but the great man thinks he still has some hit-ups left in him.

“I have no plans to hang the boots up,” Bree said.

“One of my dreams is to play with my grandson, Hamish Blake, who is eligible to play seniors next year, so that’s been an incentive to keep going.

“I’ve always said though, playing as a front rower you can’t hide anywhere, so I think I’ll know the day when I need to stop.”