FOND FAREWELL TO TASSIE LEGEND
TASMANIA has lost a legend with the death of former AFL coach and player, and hospitality industry heavyweight, John Devine.
When the old timers speak of the hard men to have worn the blue and white hoops, their conversation normally begins with the man known as “Colac” who was recruited from that township as a 20year-old in 1960.
The former Geelong tough man had endured a recent battle of dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
Devine, 82, played 118 games as a half back flanker from 1960-66 before accepting a career-changing offer to captain-coach North Hobart, an invitation that deep down he didn’t want to take according to 1963 premiership teammate John Sharrock.
“John went to the hierarchy and asked for a modest increase in salary, given he and wife Marie had a growing family, but they knocked him back so he left at age 26 and took North Hobart to three premierships,” said Sharrock, 78.
“Had he stayed I have no doubt we would have beaten Richmond in the 1967 Grand Final (Geelong lost by nine points). He was a super athlete and totally committed to the team.
“In my time and watching the game since I haven’t seen a tougher player. But he was fair, just as he was in life.”
Colin “Sago” Rice, 84, who also played in Geelong’s 1963 premiership side, recalled Devine as “an outstanding human being”.
“I remember about five years ago up on the Gold Coast, John saying he was worried about starting to forget things. Both his parents had died with dementia and he naturally didn’t want to go that way but sadly he did.
“Yes, he gave a bit out but he also copped some terrible blows, particularly down in Hobart where he was a real target, resulting in several hospital visits. But he just dealt with it and got on with things.
Devine coached North Hobart to the 1967-69-74 premierships in the Tasmanian Football League, the first two as a playing coach. He was then brought back to Geelong as coach for three seasons in 1986-88.
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association and Clubs Tasmania paid tribute to the industry legend.
“‘JD’ was a revered figure both on the football field and in the business world who was admired and respected by all,” a THA spokesman said. “As a Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame Legend his feats as a player and coach are second to none, coaching North Hobart to premierships in 1967, ‘69 (which included a state flag) and 1974 while also representing Tasmania as a player, captain or coach on seven occasions and being named captain of the Demons’ Team of the Century.”
In Hobart, Mr Devine was a successful publican, running venues including the Waggon and Horses, Mornington Inn, Valern Tavern and Black Buffalo.
Labor leader Rebecca White paid tribute to “a great Tasmanian”.
“He was an inspirational footballer, coach and leader who loved his family and cared deeply about his community,” Ms White said.