By Beth Newman
At only 22, Ryan Dienjes is already a well-entrenched member of the Surfers Paradise Football Club.
The former Broadbeach player is in his third year at the Demons and became vice-captain this season and has been a real leader of Surfers’ young side.
His versatility means he is able to slot in at any line and have an impact on the game and Dienjes has proven his ability to stand up at crucial moments this season.
Opposition coaches rate him pretty highly too, with Dienjes one of the first to be tagged each week, in a team that includes 2012 Duncanson-Todd Medallist, Jake Ryan.
It is a testament to his maturity that the utility manages to have a say on games even under the heavy watch of an opposition player most weeks.
Dienjes proved his ability once again in the Demons’ 80-point victory over Grange last weekend, putting his stamp on the game at vital junctures in the match.
Handed some extra responsibility this season, with the elevation to vice-captain, Dienjes said he was relishing taking an active leadership role at Surfers this season.
“There are a lot of young kids in the team so it’s good to be a leader and I’m enjoying it, so hopefully I can keep going next year and step up again.”
The leadership certainly hasn’t impacted on his form, with Dienjes among the Demons’ most consistent players this season.
Dienjes looks right at home in the Demons’ line up and that’s reflective of the opportunity to play with his friends, after moving from the Cats in 2011.
The Gold Coaster said he rated Surfers as the “best club I’ve been to” and was happy to have the chance to enjoy footy with his mates.
If Surfers coach, Beau Zorko, has his way, Dienjes will be at the Demons for a long time.
Speaking after the match on Saturday, Zorko said Dienjes was a future star of the competition.
“He’s a gun,” he said.
“He’s stepped up and been a real leader this year and we’ve asked him and he’s taken on the role really well
“He’s going to be a super player in this comp for a long, long time.”
With both club and player in a happy union, it seems like Demons fans will get to see Dienjes running around at Sir bruce Small Oval for a few years yet and if he continues in this vein, there’ll be plenty of moments for the highlights reel.
