Article courtesy of Mark Williams - The Advocate
DARREL John Baldock, the man regarded as the greatest footballer ever to play Australian Rules Football, was last night named as captain of the Tasmanian Team of the Century.
Before a capacity 700-strong crowd of football's elite at a glittering function at Hobart's Wrest Point Casino, the man who prefers to be known simply as "Doc", was a hugely popular choice to lead the team of 25 past and present champions.
In his humble and self-effacing way, Baldock said that it was his proudest football moment and that he was deeply honoured to be chosen to lead
such a team.
"It's unbelievable, it's such an honour to be up here with such a side," Baldock said.
Joining the man known Australia-wide as "Mr Magic" in the side was close friend and triple Brownlow Medallist Ian Stewart, the legendary Peter Hudson, ex-Richmond superstar Royce Hart and current AFL stars Matthew Richardson and Alastair Lynch.
The team's coach is none other than the name behind football's greatest song Up there Cazaly the late Roy Cazaly.
"It was an honour to play with blokes like (Ian) Stewart and Hart and all the rest and to be coached by Roy Cazaly who I didn't know but I followed his career is such an honour," Baldock said.
Baldock (65) enjoyed a superlative two-decade career that began with East Devonport in 1955.
Winning three best and fairest awards in succession and an NWFU Wander Medal, Baldock's remarkable captaincy skills were evident early and he was lured to neighbouring Latrobe as captain-coach at 19 years of age.
Despite not being overly tall, at 177cms, Baldock's outstanding abilities in playing centre half-forward saw him a State regular and in 1961 he was named as Tasmanian captain.
Baldock found his way to St Kilda in 1962 and the Saints were suitably rewarded for their efforts from game one.
He immediately began dominating the VFL and a short time later topped his career when he led his beloved Saints to a one-point grand final victory over Collingwood in 1966.
Returning home in 1969 Baldock did what came naturally, coaching Latrobe to four straight flags, and showed he still had what it took by winning his third Wander Medal.
His love of the Saints saw him return to coach the side in 1987, 1988 and 1989 before retiring to Barrington to indulge in his other love of racehorse training.
Last Modified on 28/06/2004 08:43