By ZAC MILBANK | Twitter @zacmilbank
The SANFL is mourning the passing of South Australian Football Hall of Fame member Don McSweeny.
An SANFL League Life Member, McSweeny’s involvement in football spanned 70 years, when he began as a player for the Cummins Football Club on the Eyre Peninsula.
A passionate advocate for the game in regional South Australia, McSweeny also made a significant contribution to the game as a coach, selector, administrator and league director.
‘’Don is one of the great names of country football in South Australia,’’ SANFL Chairman John Olsen said.
‘’He not only played and coached on Eyre Peninsula – particularly in his beloved home town of Cummins – but he was also an administrator who gave countless hours back to the game.’’
McSweeny served in several off-field capacities after calling time on his decorated playing and coaching career, including:
- President of the Cummins Football Club
- President of the Great Flinders Football League
- SA Country State Team Selector
- Delegate on the Australian Country Football Council
- SANFL League Director
Hall of Fame in 2012, McSweeny’s list of achievements illustrates his tremendous contribution to the game in this state.
- Life Membership of the Port Adelaide Football Club
- Life Membership of the Great Flinders Football League
- Life Membership of the SANFL
Earlier this month, McSweeny spoke of his pride to have the SANFL’s annual Aboriginal Lands Cup match named in his honour.
Interviewed on SANFL Radio, McSweeny was delighted to see the concept he developed in conjunction with Jack Johncock go from strength to strength since its inception in 2004.
This year, the Don McSweeny Aboriginal Lands Cup match – played between the APY Lands and Maralinga – was held as the curtain-raiser for the Port Adelaide v Collingwood AFL game at Adelaide Oval.
But as McSweeny points out in the interview, having the players learn about becoming responsible leaders in their community – through a week-long series of education seminars - was equally important to him.
The SANFL extends its deepest sympathies to McSweeny’s family and friends as he made an outstanding contribution to the game in South Australia.
For a complete list of McSweeny’s achievements, click here.
Last Modified on 21/07/2015 22:39