Received life membership in 2012.
Dale began his association with Ainslie in 1982 as a member of the senior squad where he quickly fitted in and left a lasting impression, becoming a key player in the 1982 Second Grade Premiership side. Dale would also go on to win the Richard Fleming Memorial Award that year for the most determined player in the Ainslie senior squad in his first season before further going on to represent Ainslie 170 times.
After toiling away in Second Grade, standout performances in the reserves saw Dale make his First Grade debut for Ainslie in 1982 under Coach Cowboy Neale. Dale was a consistent player for years to come, further entrenched in Ainslie’s Reserves premiership sides in 1983, 1984, 1987.
After his playing days Dale would continue to make ongoing contributions to the club into the 90s where he would serve as President from 1991-1993 with great honour. Ainslie success in the early 90s stemmed from the back of Dale’s leadership during his presidency tenure, where Ainslie sides would win five premierships (including two First Grade premierships) in just three years under Dale’s helm.
Recognition of Life Membership for Dale is attributed to consistent success for Ainslie on the field, but also demonstration of his leadership of the club that laid the foundation to Ainslie’s on-going club success into the early 90s.