Fairfield Twp. man key player as Dockers near tourney play

An 11-year veteran, Mike Hanavan is eagerly awaiting the two-day championship in Mason.

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By Dan Gedney Staff Writer 6:11 PM Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Ten years after playing in his first Australian Rules Football game, Mike Hanavan still can’t get enough of the sport.

Hanavan, 37, tried out for the Cincinnati Dockers for the first time in 1999.

Playing this year in his 11th season, Hanavan is one of the veteran leaders on a Dockers team that is the defending United States Australian Football League Division IV co-national champions.

He started the 2009 season by winning Most Valuable Player honors as the Dockers, based in Fairfield, went 1-1 at the John Harrell Memorial Cup tournament in Louisville on Apr. 25.

“He’s a leader on and off the field,” Dockers coach Kyle Strenski said. “He doesn’t easily lose his cool. “If there is a lot of physical play he can remain focused on helping the team and he will also communicate with other players about the importance of keeping their heads in the game.”

As a starting midfielder, Hanavan is involved in the team’s offensive and defensive attack.

“Mike shares an equal ability,” Strenski said. “He wants to be down there kicking goals, but he plays his role well when needed on the defensive side.”

The Dockers have three regular-season games left on their 2009 schedule and will compete at the USAFL Nationals Oct. 10 and 11 in Mason.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Hanavan said. “You play anywhere from four to six games in the two-day tournament.

“The second day is always tough to wake up for. Every bone in your body is aching. You have to find a way to get up and keep playing.”

Hanavan, an account director, resides in Fairfield Twp. with his wife Michelle. The couple has five children.

Contact this reporter at dgedney@coxohio.com.

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