SOMETHING old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. That’s what a bride should wear or carry on her wedding day to ensure a happy marriage.

Well, a very happy marriage of convenience between an old player and a new player borrowed from Papua New Guinea has given a real fillip to Coolangatta-Tweed Heads Blues’ premiership prospects in the 2011 AFL Queensland Premier Division.

Two boys in blue – well, one boy and an older bloke – are inspiring their teammates to greater heights out on the paddock with their determination on and off the field to do the very best they can for themselves, teammates and club supporters.

The young player in this yarn is 19-year-old Johnny Vogae, a Papua New Guinea student who is studying management at TAFE.

His brother in arms in the “inspiration stakes” is Daniel “Dougie” Hawkins, eight years Vogae’s senior.

“Both these fellas have typified the team’s desire to improve their performances at training and out on the field,” said Blues coach, Steve McKay.

“John has been a real revelation – his enthusiasm and dedication to training and learning gives each and every one of us a lift.

“In our first practice match I had the runner going to him every second minute to give him instructions but to his credit he has worked hard, listened and put into practice the basics and in doing so, has turned himself into a very competent player and an integral member of the team.

“His athleticism is amazing and the more experience he gains week after week should see him end up one of the Blues’ gun players as we get deeper into the season.”

Much as he admires young Vogae, there’s an even warmer spot in McKay’s heart for Dougie Hawkins.

“Dougie is a young veteran of the club who has played state league and played representative football at a high level,” McKay said.

“Besides his ability, what Dougie brings to the Blues is that desire for team success.

“During his time with the club he has experienced the highs and lows – premierships and the lean years.

“He strives for personal achievement but now it seems to be that his main motivation is purely team success. Dougie wants the club to play finals and he wants another crack at a premiership.

“Dougie knows that to achieve this he must assist the young players as much as possible and he does that best by taking the lead in everything he does wearing Blues colours.”

This Sunday’s match between the Blues and Springwood at Len Peak Oval is a Pink Fundraiser Day for the Cancer Council of Queensland.

There is an All Pink Ladies Lunch at which guests will be wined and dined and entertained by comedian Anne Howe and Justin Jones.

Cost is just $40 and tickets are available at Kirra Sports Club reception. The club will later host a pink-themed night featuring live DJ and lots of giveaways.