Former coach John Devine has passed away, and the Geelong Football Club is in sorrow. More information regarding John Devine’s death is needed.
Where did John Devine go?
John Devine, a former coach and premiership defender for Geelong, passed away on Sunday at the age of 82, and the city is in sorrow.
Legendary in Tasmanian football, “JD” played over 100 games for Geelong before having a successful coaching and playing career with North Hobart.
Devine captained North Hobart’s Team of the Century and led the Demons to three consecutive premierships (in 1967, 1969, and 1974). He also won seven Tasmanian caps as a player, captain, or coach.
The whole football community in Tasmania and our sympathies are with John’s loved ones.
Source: Chronicle
Reason for passing away
John Devine, a legend in both Geelong and Tasmanian football, passed away recently after a courageous fight with illness.
John Devine reportedly died of complications from Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Family and friends have flooded social media with condolence messages since the news broke. This is devastating news for his family and friends.
Who was John Devine, anyway?
John Devine first played at the top level in the VFL for Geelong in 1960. He grew up in the western Victorian town of Colac. John Devine, the defender, was ferociously tough and ran with a loping pace. On and off the field, he gave his all for Geelong, and it earned him a lot of fans. His relentless approach to the game and his opponents made him a formidable opponent.
Devine was a key member of the Geelong squad that won the 1963 AFL championship by defeating Hawthorn. From 1962 through 1966, when the Cats regularly made it to the AFL finals, he was a member of the Geelong team during its most successful period.
Devine was a ‘big game’ player for Geelong, and he was honoured as one of the team’s best in six of the nine grand finals the Cats reached during his tenure.
Beginnings of John’s Professional Life
In 1969 and 1974, Devine captained his team to two more TFL titles after beating Latrobe (headed and coached by Darrel Baldock in the NWFU) and Launceston (NTFA). In 1969, he also took first place in Tasmania. (led by Bob Withers, their coach).
North Hobart, led by Devine, set a new record with a 20-goal victory against Launceston at York Park in the state premiership match. In 1967, Devine made the move from Geelong to Tasmania, giving local football fans the chance to see him play in a number of exciting games.
The Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame officially recognises both the 1967 state championship game and the 1970 Tasmanian representative match.
After he retired from playing and coaching. John Devine established himself in Tasmanian industry and politics. The North Hobart Football Club and Football Tasmania both honoured him for his service to the sport.
