The AFL world is in mourning following the death of Geelong great John Devine.
Devine passed away on Sunday at the age of 82 after struggling with dementia and Parkinson’s disease in recent years.
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He was a coach of Geelong and a premiership player. The tough and fearless defender was also vice-captain of the Cats from 1961-1966
He debuted in 1960 and had a stunning season, coming runner-up in the Cats’ best and fairest.
After being recruited from the country Victoria town of Colac, he was given the nickname ‘Colac’, and went on to play 118 VFL/AFL games.
He was key part of the 1963 premiership team and would again become runner-up in Geelong’s best and fairest in 1965.
After seven years at Geelong, Devine moved to Tasmania and became captain-coach North Hobart.
He had immediate impact, too, taking to the club from last to grand final glory.
After the 1967 triumph, North Hobart would again win grand finals in 1969 and 1974 under Devine.
He was made a Legend of the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame Legend and represented Tasmania as player, captain or coach seven times. He is also captain of North Hobart’s Team of the Century.
Devine returned to Geelong in the 1980s and became their senior coach in 1986.
In 2002 he was entered into the Geelong’s Hall of Fame.
In a statement, Geelong said: “Devine will be remembered as a fearless player and a passionate Geelong man, loved by all of his teammates, and will be sadly missed.”
Former Geelong teammate John Sharrock said: “In my time and watching the game since I haven’t seen a tougher player, some as tough maybe, but none tougher. But he was fair, just as he was in life.”
Former AFL star and Adelaide coach Robert Shaw said Devine was “one of the great people and players that inspired a generation of kids growing up in the late 60’s. Loved his state football.”
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Source: 7News