SENIOR CLUB SPONSOR IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Nestled along the scenic waterfront of Warners Bay, Brownsugar Restaurant + Functions offers some of the best food and most delicious cocktails available in the Hunter region.
The restaurant has an elegant interior with gorgeous water views, making it a great spot for a laid-back lunch or cozy dinner. The seasonal, modern Australian menu includes perfectly cooked steaks, generous seafood platters and delectable desserts. The venue also boasts a lovely function space that is perfect for celebrating special occasions, including our annual Senior Club Cocktail Night. Brownsugar is family business operated by local hospitality queen, Bernadette Jones. An exceptional hostess, Bernadette ensures that all guests of Brownsugar receive a warm welcome and exceptional service.
When Bernadette and Gavin Morgan (Life Member and Warners Bay Club Captain 1999-2000) purchased Brownsugar in 2020, it didn’t take long for them to sign up as sponsor of their beloved BULLDOGS. Their shared bonds to the club stem from connections formed in their youth. Over the years, their mutual support for the club has filtered through to their three sons – Zac, Jet and Lee – who are all keen AFL players and members of the Junior Club.
“We sponsor the club because we believe in it, and we want the Bulldogs to be successful. Bring on the glory days!”
– Bernadette Jones, Proprietor
(R-L) Gavin Morgan with Joe Harrison, recipient of the 2023 Nathan Brennan Award for Young Footballer of the Year, and Nathan Harkness, Men’s Head Coach.
In 1985 Warners Bay club founder, John McKeown, recruited Valentine Public School student Gavin for the Bulldogs only Juniors team: U13’s. Gavin stayed with the club and at sixteen debuted for Seniors in Reserves, which won the 1989 Reserves Premiership. Gavin went on to play the historic back-to-back 1992-93 Black Diamond Cup Premiership wins, which he rejoined his teammates in celebrating in August of this year at the Old Dogs 30th Anniversary Reunion.
Gavin spent the mid-90’s living in Western Australia where he played for Port Hedland AFC and was a member of the North Pilbara League’s Representative team. Upon returning to Warners Bay he won the club’s 1998 Best & Fairest Award and was offered the role of Club Captain, a position he proudly held for two years before retiring from the great game at the end of 2000. Gavin passed the captaincy on to his teammate Mark Jones, brother of Bernadette.
Life Member, Mark Jones joined the BULLDOGS in 1993 and was a pivotal member of the 1995 and 1996 First Grade Premiership runner-up teams. Throughout 1997 to 2001, Mark was consecutively selected for the Hunter region’s Representative team and was 2000 Team Captain against Sydney Football Association. Mark held the role of Warners Bay Club Captain from 2001 to 2005. Both Mark and Gavin were named in the WBAFC Team of the Decade 2001-2010, with Mark receiving the additional honour of being named Captain.
We thank Bernadette and Gavin for generously donating the $100 Brownsugar voucher prize at the club’s recent Macey Medal Presentation Dinner.
We thank Brownsugar for sponsoring the BULLDOGS in 2023!
We encourage our Bulldogs community to please demonstrate appreciation for our generous club sponsors by supporting their businesses in return whenever possible. Thank you!
