Dench played full-back, and was considered one of the finest full-backs in VFL/AFL history. He was recruited from the
West Coburg. Dench won the North Melbourne club's
best and fairest award, the
Syd Barker Medal, on four occasions - 1971, 1976, 1977, 1981. In 1984 Dench was told by his coach
Barry Cable that his playing days were numbered and was going to play out the season in the reserves. Dench was not happy with this so he grabbed his gear and went home and retired. His relationship with Cable has been fractured ever since, with Dench refusing to speak to Cable again. When John (Kanga) Kennedy was appointed coach he tried to convince Dench to play again but the condition of his knees was poor and he stayed as an assistant coach. ==Post AFL career and personal life==