Pittwater Online News

Avalon Bulldogs Celebrate 50 Years of Friendly Coaching Youngsters + Kurt Stevenson's 350th Game

On Saturday June 21 the Avalon Bulldogs hosted visiting team the Asquith Magpies on Hitchcock Park, Avalon, in Round 9 of the 2025 Northern Open Age Sunday Gold Comp.

The game was won by the Doggies, 34 to 14, which keeps them at the top of the ladder as the Season advances towards the final rounds before semis, finals and the Grand Final. 

The Cromer Kingfishers, Narrabeen Sharks and Forestville Ferrets sit just behind them in the top 4, so no one is doing handstands and cartwheels just yet.

However, before the game, and after an all-day footy feature on Hitchcock of all age divisions and boys and girls teams, around one thousand people from babies to octogenarians gathered to honour a stalwart of their club – Brian Friend, known as ‘Friendly’ – for his 50 years of coaching Under 14’s to Under 6’s.

John Davis, President of the Club 2018 to 2020, and MC for the evening said:

“I’d like to thank all the Old Boys who are here this evening for attending and all the families and friends who have gathered to mark this very special occasion.

We’re here to honour a truly remarkable milestone – 50 years of coaching by Friendly. Just to put that into perspective, we worked out that if you have coached for 50 years this is  something like 2000 individual coaching sessions you have done. Friendly has worked with over 1500 young players, has attended countless Saturday morning matches in all weathers, tied thousands of shoelaces, painted endless white marking lines, wiped away tears and celebrated victories both big and small.

But it isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the lives touched, the confidence built and the love of the game Friendly has instilled in generation after generation. 

I can say from a personal perspective, this is a man who has placed fairness and sportsmanship above everything else. The amount of times he has frustrated coaches, groundsmen and others in ensuring fairness and sportsmanship remains above everything has amazed me. And he has done that in some environments that have been pretty tough at times. 

So Brian, thank you.

He has also recently been recognised in the Parliament of New South Wales by Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby. I’ll read you what was put on the record there.

In a Community recognition statement tabled by Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby in the Parliament of New South Wales on Thursday June 5, the local member stated:

''Brian Friend OAM is a wonderful local leader and long-term coach at Avalon Bulldogs. Affectionately known as Friendly, this local legend will mark 50 years of coaching junior rugby league with the Avalon Bulldogs this month. 

His ongoing contribution at 81 years young reflect the best of the NRL values - excellence, inclusiveness, courage and teamwork. Friendly has coached with each of these values in mind which he has passed along to hundreds of young players over the past five decades. 

Friendly first stepped up to coach in 1975 when his son's team were without a coach. Throughout this time, Friendly has built much more than sporting teams. He has fostered a community of families, volunteers, supporters and young athletes, inspiring participation on and off the field. In the off season, he helped pioneer local junior football competitions, which has engaged over 700 children. 

As a coach, referee, player and mentor, his impact on Pittwater's sporting community and youths is immeasurable. On behalf of the community of Pittwater, particularly Avalon, we sincerely thank Friendly for his incredible five decades of service. Congratulations on this truly remarkable milestone- and go the Doggies!''

Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby was on hand to present Brian Friend with a framed copy of the Community recognition statement tabled by her in the NSW Parliament, and took the opportunity to thank Friendly for his service as a volunteer over the several decades he has devoted to the Avalon Bulldogs.

Friendly was also presented with a ‘star trophy’ by Avalon Bulldogs Secretary Jazmin Ball and a framed copy of himself in his younger coaching days from Dawn Gilbert, Totally Tom’s wife. 

In reply Friendly said:

“I’ve realised, if you want to become better at anything, you must surround yourself with good people. Tonight, I’m surrounded by wonderful people – so thank you all for that.

The reason I stayed coaching kids was the fun I’ve had at being at their level. I’ve met a lot of good kids and had some great times. It’s a sport that can be hard and tough, but if you can get though that then you’re going to come out the other end a better person. I think, when you look at NRL on the tv, it does not match what we have here – we have A Grade on tonight, we have all ages and generations gathered around the ground spending time outdoors with each other, having a great time side by side. I’ve had a wonderful life and have met so many wonderful people through this game and this club – and I’ll keep doing this until the day I die. 

Thank you very much to you all for coming – and a special thank you to my referees – you are the best referees in all of New South Wales. Thank you all.”

John Davis said in closing:

“Friendly, on behalf of everyone here this evening, and the countless others who couldn’t be with us but whose lives you have touched, thank you.

You’ve shown us that the best coaches don’t just teach skills – they build character. You don’t just develop players – you nurture people. And you haven’t just given 50 years to the club – you’ve created a legacy that will inspire coaches and players for generations to come.

In fact ladies and gentlemen, Friendly has been a member of the Avalon Bulldogs for 60 years next year. The club stated 62 years ago – that’s how long he has been a part of the Doggies, almost the whole time it has been going.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in a round of applause for our guest of honour – Friendly.

There is a second milestone we are celebrating tonight. When the A Grade team run onto the field this evening, Kurt Stevenson is leading them out. Tonight is Kurt’s 350th game. So Kurt will be leading the team out with his sons – please make sure you give him a big round of applause.

Thank you very much – enjoy your evening.”

Kurt Stevenson - another Doggies legend.

Some of Friendly's earlier team:

In celebration of Brian Friend and 50 years as coach. Not sure how old mate but koala emblems on those guernseys (Which took up the whole front 🤣🤣) Photo and caption courtesy Craig Finniss

Another one - photo courtesy Troy Connolly, Friendly with his mo':

Brian spoke about the Bulldogs name a while back and said we were the koalas. But as he pointed out, that was Avalon sports club we played under.