They Ventured North
Former champion Cygnet footballer Kerry Doran, presented a talk at the Past Players function last year (2009) , highlighting the successes of Cygnet footballers who have extended their careers in the demanding and high standard TFL competition. Some of these players distinguished themselves as champions in this league, and a few, like Kerry himself went on to represent Tasmania.
A few players, despite high achievement in this league, returned to Cygnet after relatively short involvement in the TFL. Others played out long and illustrious football careers in Hobart then returned to their roots in Cygnet to contribute to our own great achievements as a Premiership-hungry club. We know of many extraordinarily brilliant footballers like Ocker Jarrett and Johnny Clifford who resisted continual invitations to play in the TFL because of their loyalty and love of our local team.
Following is a discussion of 48 players Kerry identified.
[Please note, this is a work in progress.. some historical facts are not known or incomplete… anyone able to fill in gaps please email us]
Best and Fairests: (9)
Nine Cygnet footballers achieved Best & Fairest awards:
Jack O'Rourke North Hobart 1949; Keith Cripps Sandy Bay 1953, Paddy Cripps Clarence ? year; Leon Synnott Hobart 1953; John Bone North Hobart 1975; Tony Marchant Hobart 1982; Matthew Brereton North Hobart ( 3 times ).
T.F.L.and STATE.PREMIERSHIP team representatives: (13)
Jack O'Rourke ( N.H ).1949; Keith Cripps ( S B ) 1956; John Cockshutt ( N H ) 1962; John Bone ( N H ) 1974; Bryon Howard ( N H ) 1961 and 62; Kerry Doran ( S B ) 1971 and 1972; Rodney Adams ( S B ) 1971;Matthew Brereton ( N H ) 1992; Kerry ( Tort ) Direen ( N H ) ? year; Tony Marchant ( Hob ) 1990; Ben Cato ( Clar ) 2007
T.F.L. and TASMANIAN representatives: (3)
Max Howard (S Bay - 3 times ) Kerry Doran ( S Bay - 9 times incl: Lefroy Medal ) ; Matthew Brereton ( N H 4 times )
T.F.L. LEADING GOALKICKER (1)
Rodney Adams ( S B ) 97 Goals in 1973
Players named in their Clubs best ever teams of the century; (2)
Kerry Doran; ( S B ); Matthew Brereton ( N H )
Placed in their preferred positions:
FULL BACK LINE;
John Cockshutt ( N H ); John Bone ( N H ); Ray Polley ( S B ); Paddy Cripps ( Clar ); Ben Cato ( Clar ); Craig Doyle (N H ); Adam Wills ( N H )
HALF BACKLINE;
Rodney Direen ( N H ); Matthew Brereton ( N H ); Trevor Direen ( Glen ); Brett Direen ( N H ); Mick Direen ( N H ); Kerry Doran ( S B );
CENTRELINE
Des Gordon ( N H ); Tony Marchant ( Hob ); Don Holland ( Glen ); Ray ( Tex ) Gordon ( N H ); Jack O'Rourke ( N H ); Sam Gorringe ( N H ); Jeremy Brereton ( N H ); Anthony Pepper ( S B ); Trad Page ( Hob ); Ally Fletcher ( N H )
HALF FORWARDS
Ian Dillon ( N H ); Leon Synnott ( Hob ); Kerry Direen ( N H ); Ken MacNamara ( S B );
Colin Duggan ( Glen ); Andrew Doyle ( N H ); Greg Watson ( N H ); Gerard Oakford ;
( N H ); David ( D.A.) Direen ( Sydney 1st Div)
FULL FORWARD LINE
Rodney Adams ( S B ); Brendan Polley ( N N ); Vin Synnott ( Hob ); Noel Kemp ( N N );
Dal Direen (Glen ); Dal Cordwell ( N N );
RUCKS
Max Howard ( S B ); Byron Howard ( N H ); Greg Howard ( N H ); Marty Brereton
( S B )
ON BALLERS
Greg Gordon ( N H ); Keith Cripps ( S B ); Jason Polley ( S B ); Scott Brereton ( N H )
Denis Brereton ( N H ); Scott Direen ( N H )