HALL of FAME
Our Patron, Alderman John Peers said to me last week: “Jack, 100 year celebrations only come around once in a lifetime. We won’t get to see the next one.”
How true it is. And for our future members of this Club, it is important for us to leave a legacy to which others can aspire.
Early this year, during discussions as to what format tonight would take, the Board of Management approved the establishment of a Hall of Fame.
What makes the Lindisfarne Hall of Fame different to our AFL and AFL Tasmania colleagues’ Halls of Fame is that it is not compulsory to induct nominees annually. The AFL Tasmania Hall of Fame, for example, was started in 2005 and now boasts over 200 inductees. While neither we as Club nor I as an individual suggest any of the inductees are not worthy, such large number in such a short time is something we wish to avoid. My Great-Grandfather, Jack Gardiner was an inaugural inductee of the Tasmanian Hall of Fame in 2005. Indeed, Grant Fagan, Club Sponsor is also inducted into the hallowed halls at North Hobart. It was, I’d suggest, for his coaching prowess rather than his flying to York Park by helicopter after the Clarence Grand Final win in 2000 and marking his territory on the centre square.
In Lindisfarne’s case we decided to inaugurate three inductees into our Hall of Fame in this, our Centenary year. While others in our Club’s history may be equally deserving is not questioned but we, as a Board, feel that the men inducted tonight will be comfortable for everyone in the room. .
Each, naturally, is already a Life Member of the Club. What identifies these three as worthy of the Club’s new highest honour is that all three are household names not only in Football Club circles, but outside in the wider community as well. Each has shown commitment and service above and beyond calling to the Club
Our first inductee is no surprise.
He played for Clarence, won the best and fairest for them on numerous occasions. In 1948 he went to Sandy Bay, then back to Clarence as a coach for two years, coaching their U19 side and then he came to us. From 1955 to 1967 he coached our senior side, winning the flag in his third year. He went on to coach the U17 and U19 sides as well. He is Life Member of both the Lindisfarne Football and Cricket Clubs, he has the best player medal in both clubs names after him and the dining room at ANZAC Park is named in his honour. In 2000 he received the Australian Sports Medal for playing for 34 years until 1980. His son, Wayne or “Doc” as he affectionately known also played for the Blues, his grandson, Kim Dillon, holds the wicket-taking record for the Cricket Club at over 500 and his great grandson, Nathan Hall is a player in our Reserves team of 2011. He left us a great legacy. What else is there to say? The first name on the Hall of Fame Board is Mr. Bill Kingston
Unfortunately no member of his family is able to be with us tonight but I assure you an appropriate ceremony will be taken in due to course to present them with this framed certificate of appreciation.
Our second inductee was a player of distinction. Dominating, quick on the pins and a great kick. He still runs around in the Lindisfarne Super-rules team. He has worn the two blues jumper with pride for over thirty years.
In recognition of his exceptional service and commitment to the Club over and above the call of duty. Specifically, for supporting the club for over thirty years and playing a record 360 games we induct Luke “Spaceman” Spink.
Our final inductee for this evening probably needs even less of an introduction. Playing 275 games over two decades, and acting in all positions on the Board during the next two, he is the epitome of the
true Clubman. No job is too big or small, too early in the morning or too late at night. Nor is any player too guilty to be represented at the Tribunal.
In recognition of his exceptional service and commitment to the Club over and above the call of duty. Specifically, in his roles as player, administrator and supporter for over forty years, epitomising his unequalled dedication. The third inductee to the Hall of Fame is none other than the man we all know and love Mr. Frank Shadwick.