ERIC JOHNS
Eric Johns started his playing career with Hermit Park Tigers in 1961.
At the same time as playing Aussie rules in 1963 he played Rugby league for Estate Rugby Club winning an under 18 Premiership.
Eric enjoyed Rugby but gave it up to concentrate on Aussie Rules with Hermit Park.
Playing mainly at fullback it wasnât long before he was a permanent member of the Tigers Senior side where his displays of long raking drop kicks and strong defence caught the eyes of the Townsville selectors.
From that day on he was an automatic selection in Townsville sides where he won playing against Cairns, the prestigious Craven A award for best on ground.
1961 he was a member of Hermit Parkâs Under 18 Premiership side also playing five games with the senior side.
In 1962 he was awarded the Townsville Aust. Football Leaguesâ TJ Williams Best and Fairest Award and the Townsville Football League Most Improved Trophy.
In his time with Hermit Park from 1962 to 1968 he played in 2 A Grade Grand finals both as Vice Capt. Losing in â66 and winning in â67, played 109 games and was awarded Life Membership with Hermit Park.
Whilst with Hermit Park he played in 11 Nielson Cup games for Townsville.
At his time at Hermit Park he coached several junior sides with great success.
He transferred to Currajong Football Club in 1968 as playing coach having been frustrated in that ambition at his previous club, continuing his career as playing coach and racking up 64 games with Currajong until 1972 when he retired to concentrate on administration.
Eric continued to be chosen to play for Townsville in his playing time with Currajong.
Eric is remembered for his fearless play, never shirking and for his frightening physical contact play.
In 1973 Eric was elected President of Currajong and President of the Townsville Football League.
He also found the time to coach junior sides at Currajong once again with great success.
He was to hold the Presidentâs job at Currajong for 11 years where he was awarded Life Membership for his service to the club.
He saw Currajong win 6 pennants from appearances in every grand final from 1973 to 1980.
In 2003 Eric served once again as a President of a Townsville Club, this time with the Curra Swans.
He was President of the Townsville League for 12 seasons.
Eric served as Townsville Aust Football Leagueâs Tribunal Chairman.
Eric also served on the Nth Qld Aust Football Association for many years where he held the position of Vice President.
In 1990 Eric was awarded the National Football Councilâs prestigious Merit Award.
Eric was a life member of the:
Nth Queensland Aust. Football Assoc.
Townsville Aust. Football League.
Hermit Park Aust. Football Club.
Curra Swans Aust Football Club. ( prev.Currajong)
Hermit Park Aust. Football Club and Curra Swans Aust. Football Club are proud to play for the Eric Johns Cup each year in memory of one of the all time great gentleman, players and administrators, Townsville and North Queensland Australian Football has known.
