One of the all-time greats of Sydney football, Jack Dean, has passed away aged 87.
A former player, coach, president and chairman of selectors at East Sydney, Jack was one of the first players inducted into the Sydney AFL Hall of Fame in 2003.
He also coached Ardelthan in the Riverina from 1959-1960, and after a season coaching Easts, he crossed to Sydney Naval, where he played until he retired in 1966.
Jack played 310 games for Easts, 45 for Sydney Naval, and 40 games for the Ardelthan Stars. He also represented NSW on 25 occasions including the ANFC Centenary Carnival in Melbourne in 1958 where he was voted the State’s best player.
Born and bred in Paddington, Jack Dean went down to Trumper Park in 1944 aged 16 with his brother Mal to play with Easts, where his father, Joe, had played. Jack’s son, Marshall, also played with Easts.
Jack played mostly in the ruck where he famously took on Richmond VFL legend Jack Dyer in an interstate match against Victoria at the SCG in 1949. He won numerous state best player awards.
He played in East’s’ remarkable run of six premierships in a row from 1953-1958, and later in Sydney Naval’s triple flag run, 1962-1964. He won East Sydney’s best and fairest four times and was runner-up on four occasions.
After his retirement, Jack returned to Easts on the committee and assumed the presidency in 1970 and held the position until 1982 during which time the Bulldogs won six premierships including the much celebrated club centenary flag in 1980.
Jack was a long-serving State team selector and served as chairman of selectors for former St Kilda and Hawthorn premiership coach, Alan Jeans, in 1979-1980, when NSW competed in the national pre-season competition against VFL clubs.
The best and fairest medal at UNSW-Eastern Suburbs is named in his honour. He is a life member of the club. He was awarded an ANFC Merit Award in 1977.
Jack Dean’s playing record was outstanding and his contribution off-the-field was also highly significant.
He is survived by his wife, Joy, sons, Greg, Brad, and Marshall, and daughters, Rhonda and Tracy.
Last Modified on 30/11/2015 11:27
