2010 sports dad

Posted by Dave on August 29, 2010 No Comments

www.dadsclub.com.au says cheers and more bloody beers to Philips for again rolling out the vote for the Sports Dad of the year.

The finalists are…

Brett Kirk (AFL)
Cameron Smith (NRL)
James Courtney (V8 Supercars)
John Aloisi ( A-League)
Nathan Hindmarsh (NRL)
Nathan Sharpe (Rugby Union)
Nicky Carle (A-league)
Robby MeEwen (cycling)
Sam Mitchell (AFL)
Sam Perett (NRL)

Cameron Smith is regarded as one of the top three rugby league players in the world. He has captained his club, his state and his country and will be the automatic selection as Kangaroos and Queensland captain when the legendary Darren Lockyer retires.

Smith’s favourite activity with the kids?
I love taking them to the pool, they love the water. Its great to be able to have the time to do that with them – Cameron Smith

His best asset as a father?
Cameron’s best asset as a father is his involvement with the kids. He is very hands on and has so much time for them. It doesn’t matter what type of day he has had or whether he has been away he always comes home and baths them, feeds them and plays with them – Barbara Johnson

Arguably the most popular player in the NRL, Nathan Hindmarsh has played more games for his beloved Parramatta Eels than any other player.

His favorite activity with the kids?
Pretty weird but I love taking them to Sushi Train, its hilarious watching my 4 yr old Archie eat more plates than me, Buster tries to use the chop sticks then ends up getting so frustrated he stabs his sushi instead – Nathan Hindmarsh

Sam Mitchell realised a lifelong dream in 2008 when he captained the Hawthorn Hawks to a premiership with a 26-point victory over Geelong.

Sam’s favourite activity with the baby?
Our morning walk and bath time are great Dad activities, I just booked him into gymbaroo (baby gym) too so am looking forward to that. Everytime I engage with him with eye contacts and giggles is really a great activity – Sam Mitchell

Brett Kirk is affectionately known as “Captain Kirk” and even “Captain Blood” and will be forever mentioned as one of the greatest Sydney Swans players of all time through his tenacity, courage and leadership.

Are you always mindful of setting a good example for them on and off the field?
My son Indhi has just started Auskick so being a good sport, having fun and enjoying yourself through sport with your mates is an important example to set. Also that it’s ok to lose – you have to be a good loser to be a good winner – Brett Kirk

V8 Super car driver James Courtney is currently experiencing his best season since his debut year in 2005. Last season, he was with the Dick Johnson Racing Team and this year, he has been on the podium at Adelaide, Melbourne GP and Hamilton, while winning races outright at Queensland and Winton with the Jim Beam Racing team.

His favourite activity with the kids?
My favourite time is definitely the morning when I’m home and the kids are chilling out on the bed with Caz and I. They are so bright and happy and it’s just contagious how happy they are and how simple their life is! It’s also been fun to see Zara experience new things. When she saw fireworks and sparklers for the first time the delight in her eyes was just so pure – James Courtney

One of the greatest cyclists Australia has ever produced, Robbie McEwen is also one of Australian’s most courageous sports people, once winning the final stage of the Tour de France, the sprint through Paris, with a broken shoulder.

Favourite activity with the kids?
I enjoy doing anything my kids enjoy. Mostly it’s outdoor activities like bike riding!, playing soccer, skateboarding and especially going the beach to build sandcastles, have running races and of course swim and surf – Robbie McEwen

Whenever the great moments of Australian sport are replayed, you can expect to see John Aloisi on the highlights reel.

His best asset as a father?
He has a great way of communicating with them and is very patient and in their eyes he cooks a mean BBQ – Angela Aloisi

Nicky Carle. Sydney FC’s new signing in the Hyundai A League is regarded as one of the most skilful soccer players in Australia

What makes him such a great father?
Anyone who knows Nick will tell you he is one of a kind. He lives for those kids. Since day one he has been a hands on dad and can’t wait to get home everyday to spend every spare minute with them. When we go to the shops he has Dion on his shoulders and Jordan in his arms. Anything to keep both boys happy! – Melissa Carle

Nathan Sharpe. A stalwart of the Wallabies for close to a decade, the 32-year-old 200cm and 117 kilogram giant is among the most respected players in world rugby union. Sharpe debuted for the Wallabies against France in 2002, the same year he won the Australian Rugby Medal for Excellence which was voted for by his Australian Super Rugby playing peers.

What makes him such a great father?
I think one of the things that Nathan has over most people is the fact that he is such a large human! When he comes home from tour the boys are swept up into the air and thrown around at great heights and with great excitement. Immediately the boys are thrilled and the bond that they share is reconnected – no matter how long he has been away. Nathan is an entertainer with his children…He devotes his complete attention to their needs whether that be tackling them and releasing some of their pent up ‘boy aggression’ or patiently reading books with them and preparing their meals. Once the excitement of his return fades then he slots straight into the balanced role of a father providing discipline, direction and devotion to his boys – Jess Sharpe

Sam Perrett has played more than 100 games for the Sydney Roosters where his strong running game from fullback, wing and centre has seen the 25-year-old become one of the most consistent players in the NRL.

His best asset as a father?
His patience, he has a lot of it. More than me – Jemma Perrett