The Canberra Times has revealed its Greatest John I Dent Cup XV Since 2000, and four Gungahlin Eagles have been selected in the side. The team, compiled by journalist Caden Helmers, recognises the best players across two decades of the competition, and the Eagles’ representation reflects the club’s history since taking out its first John I Dent Cup trophy in 1975.
THOMPSON TAPSELL — HOOKER
Tapsell was the club’s best and fairest winner in its premiership-winning 2003 season and was named man of the match in that year’s John I Dent Cup grand final win. His selection reflects a season in which he may have been the most valuable player in a drought-breaking Eagles premiership.
RUTIKHA ILOLAHIA — NO.8
Ilolahia was known as a defensive wrecking ball, hard to get past on a short-range ball. He claimed the Macdougall Medal in 2014, two years after finishing as runner-up, and went on to amass more than 100 first grade games and a host of club awards.
MATT HAWKE — INSIDE CENTRE
Hawke was thrown into first grade as an 18-year-old fresh out of Daramalan College. More than 200 games later, he got the fairytale he had wished for, winning the John I Dent Cup with the Eagles in 2023.
TIM DAVIS — RESERVES
Davis was packing down in the front row when the Eagles lifted the John I Dent Cup for the first time in 17 years in 2003. The premiership-winning prop took out ACT Rugby’s Anderson Trophy for Sportsmanship that year, before wrapping up his career with 178 first grade appearances.
A CLUB WITH HISTORY
Four selections in a 15-man team spanning 25 years is a reflection of the depth of talent that has come through Gungahlin over that period, across premierships won in 2003 and 2023.
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