A legend Devine is
Former Geelong Premiership player John Devine has been inducted into the Tasmanian Hall of Fame as a legend
Former Geelong premiership star and coach John Devine has been elevated to legend status in the Tasmanian football hall of fame.
Devine is the 42nd legend honoured in the Apple Isle.
Devine earned the honour for his distinguished career in Tassie that followed his days with the Cats. He played 118 games with Geelong after debuting in 1960. Devine was a member of the 1963 premiership win over Hawthorn, and was named among the Cats best players.
Over his time at Kardinia Park, Devine played in nine finals and was named in the best six times, showing his prowess on the biggest September stage.
He moved to Tasmania in 1967 and enjoyed further success. He captain/ coached North Hobart to three Tasmanian Football League premierships (1967, 1969 and 1974), and took out the Tasmania state premiership in 1969, beating NWFU premiers Latrobe, coached by Daryl Baldock, and NTFA premiers Launceston by 20 goals.
Devine returned to coach the Cats in 1986, and he spent three years at the helm. While immediate on-field success wasn’t evident, many greats of the club were given their opportunity under Devine, including Garry Hocking, Mark Bairstow, Billy Brownless, Bruce Lindner, Barry Stoneham and David Cameron.
John Devine’s career record
• 118 games, 6 goals, Geelong, 1960-1966.?• 102 games, North Hobart, 1967-1971 and 1974-1975.?• Geelong premiership, 1963.?• Represented Victoria, 1965.?• Coached North Hobart, 1967-1971, 1974-1975 and 1981.?• North Hobart premierships, 1967, 1969 and 1974.?• Lefroy Medal, 1968 (Tasmania best player).?• Represented Tasmania six times between 1967-70.?• Captained Tasmania – 1968 – 1970, including 1969 National Carnival and 1970 victory over West Australia.?• Coached Tasmania – 1970 (West Australia) and 1971 (South Australia).?• Coached Geelong, 1986-88 for 66 games and 28 wins (43%)?• Named Captain North Hobart Team of the Century, 2000.?• Inducted Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame, 2005.?• Life member – Geelong and North Hobart Football Clubs.
