Statement via the North Hobart Football Club
The President of the North Hobart Football Club, Mr John Leedham, today expressed, on behalf of the Board, great sadness on the passing of Darrell Eaton.
Mr Leedham said that Eaton was a highly decorated and respected member of the North Hobart Football Club. His contribution to the North Hobart Football Club is imposing both as a player and a coach. His involvement commenced with North Hobart in 1946, having graduated from North West (Under 19's) in the State Schools Old Boys National Football Association (SSOBNFA). He played his early football at the Campbell Street Primary School. In 1946 he won the George Watt Medal for the Best and Fairest Player in the TFL Reserves competition.
As a player he played in two (2) premiership teams, 1947 and 1957, and as coach he took the club to back to back premierships in 1961 and 1962.
In 1947 Eaton played in the club's premiership team and won the senior best and fairest award. Darrell had an amazing leap, despite his lack of height. He was fast, tackled ferociously and kicked the ball long and accurately. He was undoubtedly one of the greatest wingmen in Tasmanian football. He has also contributed to the club in many other significant ways. Eaton also coached Wynyard to their first senior premiership in 1952, won the Wander Medal as the best and fairest player in the NWFU in 1953. He also coached Devonport for 1 season before returning to Hobart to continue his career with North Hobart.
He played 179 games for the club, coached North Hobart from 1960 to 1964, represented the TFL on 15 occasions and Tasmania 11 times, was conferred with NHFC Life Membership and Player Life Membership, named a member NHFC Team of the Century, and inducted into NHFC Hall of Fame in 2004 and Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
After his retirement from playing and coaching Eaton was a leading senior TFL umpire. He was also a prominent bookmaker for many years.
In recent years Eaton attended major club events, including the 2005 President's Dinner which honoured and paid tribute to the 1961/1962 Back to Back premierships teams.
The North Hobart Football Club extends to his wife Dawn and family our deepest sympathy on the passing of a great DEMON.
Last Modified on 22/01/2007 12:35