December 16th, 2025The Old Sniff Classic

The Old Sniff Classic

Did you know it’s been 13 years since the word was passed around
They’re going to run a sheep dog trial at the Dean Recreation Ground
Thanks to our small committee and the talent that’s been tapped
From across the state and interstate, we’ve put Dean on the map

Yes from Gippsland to South Australia and further afield they come
To put their dogs to the test and show us how it’s done
They’re all seeking jubilation and pats on the back to abound
If by chance they take out the title at the Dean Recreation Ground

Johnny Tuddenham and Jimmy Dodge, they’ve always been good mates
They’ll be out to show the judge, yes we’ve got what it takes
Tuddy will be out there, with his top dog named Roo
While Jimmy Dodge with Cooper, can show Roo a thing or two

Normy Severs comes from Bairnsdale, the best trial judge in Australia
He can sort these blokes out, from success to total failure
With 40 dogs and trainers competing for the trophies and the cash
Norm’s keen eye and score card, can dash their hopes in a flash

Mark Fagan comes from Dean’s Marsh, in his thongs and daggy hair
He turns up the night before, with his esky, swag and chair
He likes to sit around the fire, and the stories he can tell
About a handy dog, he used to have, a distinctive dog called Nell

Fr Peter Kerin from Don Bosco College, he comes every year
He also turns up the night before, with a grin from ear to ear
He’s got some handy Collie dogs, of all he’s very proud
He gets them out at lunchtime doing tricks before the crowd

Barry Paton hails from Koroit, he’s competitive yes he’s true blue
While his Irish mate Connor McConnell will show us all what he can do
When the two of them get talking you just can’t shut them up
While they’ve both got their greedy eyes on the first place Trophy Cup

Mary Tuddenham is the time keeper she’s the boss, no ifs or buts
If anyone tries to question her, let’s just say they’re out of luck
With one eye on the time clock and the time bell ready to ring
You better get off the ground, when she goes, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding

Our main sponsors TB White and Sons, they’re always on the ball
For the best advice in your livestock give Leo or Jerry White a call
Greg Slade Transport from Dean helps with the sponsorship load
So if you’ve got any transport needs, his depot is just up the road

Now the blokes up in the let out yards, they’ve been there all day
Letting out three fresh sheep at a time and the spent ones put away
They do it all with skill and care while talking a yarn or two
Without them we’d be buggered, so good on ya Robbie Greive and Blue

Thanks to all who come along and enjoy the atmosphere
Hope you’ve all had a good day out and come along again next year
To the Dean and District Sheep Dog Trials
The Old Sniff Classic

– Brian Maher (with thanks to Slim Dusty)