Ahead of the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame Gala Dinner on Saturday June 23, we are going back and taking a look at past inductees and their impact on Tasmanian football.
148. Garth Smith: Garth Smith was as tough a footballer as any that pulled on the Map guernsey of Tasmania. A premiership player with Ulverstone as a teenager, he later played in flags at Burnie and New Norfolk, the latter under the great Trevor Leo. Played 16 games for Tasmania, including two Carnivals.
152. Neil Rawson: One of the north-west’s finest administrators, Neil Rawson was involved with the Ulverstone Football Club and the NWFU/NTFL in a variety of roles for more than 40 years. The inaugural president of the NTFL in 1987, the northern grandstand at Ulverstone Football Ground is named in his honour.
153. Ray Biffin: Originally from North Launceston, Ray Biffin was one of Melbourne’s stand-out players during the club’s dark days of the 1970s. A big and burly key position player who was at home at either end, he never conceded more than four goals when opposed to the great Peter Hudson.
154. Warren McCarthy: Known universally as ‘Putt’, Warren McCarthy was a canny tactician who was one of coastal football’s best coaches. Led Penguin to a drought-breaking premiership in 1977 before stints with Cooee and the Burnie Hawks, while also guiding the NWFU to a famous win over the TFL in 1985.
155. Garry Davidson: Originally from Devonport, Garry Davidson played with Geelong and Richmond in the VFL before returning to Tasmania to become a highly-accomplished coach. Guided Glenorchy (1983) and North Hobart (1987 & 1989) to TFL premierships, while also leading the Tasmanian state team to six wins from nine games in charge.
156. Graham Hunnibell: Known as “Moose”, Graham Hunnibell was a superb ruckman and one of Tasmania’s most decorated footballers. Along with the 1985 William Leitch Medal, he won a total of six senior Best & Fairest awards with North Launceston, New Norfolk and Clarence, plus Melbourne’s VFL reserves award in 1978. Represented Tasmania 17 times.
