THIS WEEKS GAMES

OUR GREAT GAME | Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame Chairmans Message
Chairman’s Message - 2011
Welcome to the seventh Tasmanian Football Hall of
Fame.
Since our last meeting we can report that our new
Wrest Point State League continues to receive
wonderful support from all forms of Tasmania’s
sporting and news media and from the ‘football
loving’ public of Tasmania. Our season opening
game has been the highest attended State League
game in Australia thus far in 2011. We appreciate
such support and we will do whatever we can to
continue to build our unique ‘whole of state’ football
competition.
As well, we congratulate and thank all leagues and
clubs for their on-going achievement in ensuring
Tasmania has the highest football participation rate
in the nation and which ensures we have a vibrant
footy heart beating across the State.
In 2011 we will once again welcome a number of
new inductees, 12 in fact, a memorable game,
a legendary team, and a great club for their
contribution to the game.
When considering those who have been inducted
we also have the opportunity to elevate to a higher
level of recognition those whose contribution is
most significant. In this regard we will honour a new
Icon in 2011 and elevate a further 3 players to the
Legend status.
Tonight we will honour four truly great players of
Tasmanian football.
We will elevate into the pantheon of Icons one of only
two Tasmanians to play in 4 VFL / AFL premierships
and the only person to participate in over 500 senior
games at national level as player or coach. Rodney
‘Rocket’ Eade achieved this with Hawthorn, Brisbane,
Sydney and continues with Western Bulldogs.
From his beginnings on the wing with Glenorchy,
Rodney Eade has truly excelled at football and richly
deserves the highest recognition that Tasmanian
football can provide.
We will also honour, with elevation to Legend three
greats representing three fascinating eras of our
game. Ivor Warne-Smith was a giant of the first
50 years of football in the 20th century in both
Tasmania and Victoria, Bob ‘Tassie’ Johnson was
a triple premiership hero with Melbourne in their
golden era under Norm Smith after commencing in
Launceston’s northern suburbs and Colin Robertson
was the first and still the only Tasmanian to be
honoured with the Norm Smith Medal for best on
ground in an VFL / AFL Grand Final in between a
major contribution to football in north-west Tasmania.
Tonight we also pay homage to two of our greatest
Tasmanian football Icons. We recognise the passing
of the incomparable Darrel Baldock and indeed
celebrate his magnificent contribution to Tasmanian
football. We also celebrate the late Horrie Gorringe
who has become the first Tasmanian to play solely in
Tasmania and be inducted to the Australian Football
Hall of Fame.
Throughout the rich history of Tasmanian football
there have been aspects of the game and individuals
whose deeds and achievements remain embedded
in our memory and are worthy of recognition.
As always these events are designed to enable
the football family to come together and share,
remember and celebrate those who have given or
achieved in our game beyond just participating.
Football is the heartbeat of so many of our
communities, particularly in winter; in this way our
game is more than just a sport or a game. It is
significant part of the social, commercial and cultural
fabric of Tasmania.
To all who are this year honoured, and to those
recognised in previous years, congratulations and
thank you.
Please join with us and celebrate the Tasmanian
Football Hall of Fame for 2011.
Dominic Baker
Chairman
AFL Tasmania
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