with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin

Hawkesbury City FC continues to represent the pinnacle of football in the local Hawkesbury region, competing once again in Football NSW League 2 Men’ s for the 2026 season. Originally formed in 1975 as Hawkesbury District Soccer Club, the club was built on a vision to provide the highest level of football to the local community.

Since then, the club has grown significantly and now fields senior teams in NSW’ s third tier of men’ s football, sitting just below Premier League 1 and Premier League 2. The Hawks remain a proud and competitive presence within the Football NSW system.

The club recently celebrated success

Hawkesbury City FC win Stroke Cup. Credit Hawkesbury City FC.

off the field as well, retaining the Stroke Recovery Cup for 2026 after a hardfought 1 – 0 victory over Gladesville Ryde Magic. Now in its sixth year, the annual fixture brings both clubs together to raise awareness and funds for stroke recovery and rehabilitation.

Played fittingly on Valentine’ s Day, the match once again highlighted the power of sport in uniting communities. Both sides delivered an intense and fast-paced contest, with neither willing to give an inch. The decisive moment came in the first half, when the Hawks converted from the penalty spot. Strong defensive efforts, quick attacking play, and impressive teamwork were on display throughout an entertaining encounter.

Club Presidents George Ganiatsas( Magic) and David Bertenshaw( Hawks) were in attendance, while Ryde Councillor Kathy Tracey presented the Stroke Recovery Cup to the Hawks, who will hold the trophy for the next 12 months.

Off the field, the day also featured a lively crossbar challenge involving players, families, and supporters— a great display of community spirit and a reminder of just how difficult it is to hit the woodwork on demand.

Hawks captain Harrison Fox spoke passionately during the post-match presentation, praising both teams and acknowledging the Junior Development

League( JDL) players from both clubs who stayed to support the match. Seventeen-year-old Daniel Mahoney, making just his second First Grade appearance for Magic, was named Player of the Match following a standout performance.

First played in 2021, the Stroke Recovery Cup was founded by long-time football stalwart John Koletti and has grown into a meaningful and respected fixture on the football calendar.

On the field, Hawkesbury City FC’ s 2026 campaign has had a mixed start. The Hawks opened the season strongly with a 3 – 1 away win over Dunbar Rovers, followed by their victory against Gladesville Ryde Magic. After a Round 3 bye, they secured an exciting 4 – 3 win over South Coast Flame in Round 4.

However, the team has since endured a challenging run, suffering six consecutive losses. Despite this, there is still plenty of football ahead, with 19 matches remaining in the season.

Key upcoming fixtures include clashes with Camden Tigers and Central Coast United, before a highly anticipated Round 13 showdown with local rivals Nepean FC at home. The Hawks will also face tough tests against ladder leaders Mounties Wanderers and Bankstown United, before hosting Dunbar Rovers again in the second half of the season.

Wade Giovenali Hawkesbury Hawks playing Futsal for Australia. Credit Hawkesbury City FC.

With a talented squad featuring new signing Wade Giovenali alongside Aaron Peterson, Vincent Dermillio, Lincoln Gilmore, and captain Harrison Fox, the Hawks have the ability to turn their season around and push for a finals berth in 2026.

with Matt“ Duck Man” Austin

Wrestle Strong Dojo has quickly established itself as one of Western Sydney’ s most distinctive, communitydriven professional wrestling organisations. Based in Penrith, the dojo began staging live pro wrestling events in July 2019. By mid-2025, it had delivered more than 60 shows across NSW and completed two international tours to Japan. Wrestle Strong Dojo proudly showcases its homegrown talent while also bringing in wrestlers from across Australia.

Founded by veteran professional wrestler Dean Draven, who has spent over 30 years in the industry, Wrestle Strong Dojo operates as both a training academy and a live wrestling promotion. The

Footlock chokehold at WSD. Credit WSD.

training program focuses on developing well-rounded performers with the complete skill set required in the ring— athletes who can wrestle safely, tell compelling in-ring stories, and connect with the crowd.

Students learn and refine fundamentals such as footwork, chain wrestling, striking, and conditioning, while also mastering the theatrical elements of the sport, including promo delivery, character development, and ring psychology. The dojo’ s philosophy is built on respect, discipline, and continuous improvement— values that reflect its martial arts-inspired roots while delivering high-quality, exciting wrestling to audiences.

The promotion side is where that training comes to life. Wrestle Strong Dojo runs regular shows throughout Penrith and across NSW, with Dean Draven proving a master of marketing events that draw families, young fans, and long-time wrestling enthusiasts alike. Held in community venues, the shows have built a loyal following and an electric atmosphere.

WSD boasts a strong and diverse roster of talent, including WSD Heavyweight Champion Ranger, Junior Heavyweight Champion Joey Foxx, Jack Normandy, Connor Crowe, Daniel Vice, Alistair Fighters Champion Pete Morgan, Mystic

Jessie( Women’ s Champion), Joel Temple, Torrent, Gothika, El Mas, Freya Fury( Tag Team Champion), Aragon( Tag Team Champion), DB Robertson, Ludo Jareth, Matt Sky, Zachariah, RJ Lightning, Domino, Guijarro Piranha, and Zion. Guest performers from across the Australian independent scene and overseas also regularly feature, adding to the excitement.

The action is fast-paced and hardhitting, with every slam, suplex, and finishing move drawing the crowd deeper into the show. Importantly, it’ s not just about the heroes— no wrestling promotion is complete without its villains. Wrestle Strong Dojo embraces this, featuring a mix of high-flying underdogs, powerhouse brawlers, crowd favourites, and rule-breaking heels that keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Shows are held at Penrith Gaels on Sundays, with doors opening at 1:30pm and a 2pm bell time. Front-row seats offer the best view of the action but often sell out before show day.

Wrestle Strong Dojo is fast becoming a fixture in the Western Sydney sporting scene. Many of its wrestlers come from other sporting backgrounds, while others join simply out of a lifelong passion for wrestling. The dojo provides a structured, supportive, and safety-focused pathway to develop skills under the guidance of some

Dean Draven getting pinned against the ropes. Credit WSD.

of Australia’ s best.

Draven himself is a former Australian Heavyweight and Tag Team Champion, bringing invaluable experience to the organisation. Younger fans in particular have embraced the shows, which deliver high-energy, family-friendly entertainment featuring both local stars from Penrith, Werrington, St Marys and beyond, as well as top talent from across the country.

With a packed schedule ahead, Wrestle Strong Dojo is set to deliver plenty more high-quality wrestling throughout the year. If you haven’ t experienced it yet- now’ s the time to check it out.