| President: | Tom Ellis |
| Vice President: | Sasha Sibree |
| Secretary: | |
| Treasurer: | Willi Taylor |
| Development: | James Dawe |
| Sponsorship/Marketing: | Mike Fraietta |
| Social Club: | Paul Renouf |
| Website: | Willi Taylor |
| Head Coach: | Charlie Ellis |
| Asst Coach: | Ben Harling |
As the Bulldogs prepared for the continued defense of their national crown, the off season saw a dedicated focus on the development of metro footy, a smaller, local competition that has become a proven talent developer and recruitment tool. With less travel the result, the Bulldogs played one tournament in addition to the 2005 USAFL national finals in Milwaukee.
The lone regular season comp was a rare home event for Denver, hosting the Western regional in early June. Arizona, Golden Gate, Orange County, and San Diego all attended the two day tournament. In typical Rocky mountain fashion, a torrential rain and 30 degree temps met the teams in Denver that Saturday morning, cancelling use of the local ground. A major adjustment followed, and the entire tournament moved 90 minutes south to Colorado Springs, where the weather was dry but still cold. Warm weather and sun was the order on Sunday as games returned to Denver. The Bulldogs dominated the two day event, winning all four games by huge margins to ensure their place as the team to beat in this region.
The 2005 USAFL nationals were held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin over the weekend of October 1 and 2. The Bulldogs were the top seed, and once again, teams were poised to knock the ‘Dogs from their now-well worn premeirship spot. Denver won the opener against a scrappy San Diego Lions club, trailing most of the game, until Bulldog legend Bruce Durrell snapped a game winner with only seconds remaining. The Dogs then easily defeated Chicago, and Boston in pool play to advance to the Grand Final against the host Milwaukee Bombers. The Denver Bulldogs won their fifth USAFL division One championship, defeating the Bombers, 32-7. It was the Denver club’s fourth straight national title.
2005 also saw Bulldog veterans Matt Dainauski, Tom Ellis, and Charley Ellis selected to thte US Revolution, the American national team to compete in the International Cup in Melbourne. All three played major roles in the USA’s third place finish in the 11 nation competition.
The Bulldogs also bid a fond farewell to founding member and Bulldog legend, the mountain of a man at Full Forward, the all time leading goal kicker in club history, Matt Dainauski.
Matty’s contributions to the club both on and off the ground were crucial to the very existence of the winningest footy club in the USA. “Hands’ also played in over 25 games for the USA Revolution, and is among the leaders in goalkicking for the Revos. Matt served as club vice President, then as President in the early years of the club. Upon his retirement form football, Matt had played in every Bulldog game since the club’s inception.
The Bulldogs also bestowed lifetime memberships to four of the club’s founding members. These four ‘Dogs were there from the start, and a few still remain as active players.
Rusty Waugh, the club’s inaugural coach and football mind, the first premiership coach in Bulldog history in 2000, and legendary fullback. Premiership winner as a player in 2000, and 2003.
Matt (“Matty”) Dainauski, former club President, leader in goalkicking in club history, a dominant fixture at Full forward for 7 seasons, a multiple USA national team selection, and 5 time premeirship winner as a player.
Jim (“Jimbo”) Baldwin, a versatile defender or forward and ruckman. Served as club’s Vice President and Junior development director, played in every Bulldog game to date, USA national team selection (6 games), and 5 time premeirship winner as a player.
Paul (“Ren”) Renouf, a versatile, scrappy utility player and goalsneak. Served club as Vice President, President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Social Club Director. Served as head coach for 2004 premeirship, and as co-coach for 2005 premeirship. 4 time premeirship winner as a player.
Congratulations to the inaugural four members of the newly formed “Denver Bulldogs Founders club”. Soon to be announced ‘”Founders Awards” to recognize some important person or accomplishment related to club progress, culture, historical significance, on field prowess, or anything to the general discretion of the Founders Club members.
2005 Statistics:
- 8 wins, 0 losses, National Champions USAFL Division one
- Best and Fairest: Brendan Feddema
- Most Improved: Jake Hutchinson
- Rookie of the year: Mike LeValley
