THIS WEEKS GAMES

OUR GREAT GAME | Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame Icon 2011
Rodney Eade
Glenorchy / Hawthorn / Brisbane / Brisbane Reserves / North Melbourne Reserves / Sydney Swans /
Western Bulldogs
In 1975 Rodney Eade’s senior football career began
with a state premiership with the Peter Hudson
led Glenorchy. In little time the elusive wingman
nicknamed ‘Rocket’ was, following Huddo’s advice, in
the brown and gold of Hawthorn.
After playing in a premiership side in his first season
(1976) he enjoyed further success with the Hawks
in 1978, 83 and 86 in a playing career of more than
250 senior games.
In 1988 he was also honoured by his home state for
the first time when named captain of the Tasmanian
team that competed in the bicentennial National
Carnival.
Following a successful coaching apprenticeship with
Brisbane and North Melbourne ‘Rocket’ took over the
Sydney Swans in 1996 and led them into their senior
first grand final in 50 years.
Rodney Eade continues today as coach of the strong
Western Bulldogs outfit and this may yet prove to be
his greatest challenge as he aims for the ultimate
football triumph – an AFL premiership.
Eade is amongst the longest serving AFL coaches
and following three consecutive preliminary final
appearances with the Western Bulldogs in 2008,
2009 and 2010 he continues as one of the most
highly regarded leaders in the game.
In recognition of the high regard in which he is held
by the Tasmanian football community, he was chosen
in the Tasmanian Team of the Century on the wing.
First inducted into the Tasmanian Football Hall of
Fame in 2005, he was elevated to Legend upon
being inducted and deservedly joins the pantheon of
Icons in 2011.
Rodney Eade’s Record of Achievement
• 229 games, 46 goals, Hawthorn, 1976-87.
• 30 games, 3 goals, Brisbane, 1988-90.
• Hawthorn premierships, 1976, 1978, 1983 and
1986.
• Glenorchy TFL and State premiership, 1975.
• Represented Tasmanian and Victorian State
teams.
• Coached Brisbane Bears Reserves to 1991
premiership.
• Coached North Melbourne Reserves to 1995
premiership.
• Coached Sydney, 1996-2002, including AFL
grand final, 1996 (lost to North Melbourne).
• Coaching Western Bulldogs, from 2005 till 2011,
including 3 consecutive preliminary finals.
• 305 games coached in AFL for 165 wins.
• Tasmanian State of Origin coach.
Hall of Fame Inductions in 2011
Inductees
Harry McDonald, Len Lewis, Lindsay Webb, Max
Griffiths, Steven Beaumont, Graham Fox, Tony
Pickett, Wayne Wing, Trent Nicholls, Simon Minton-
Connell, Gavin Cooney, Ben Harrison.
Legends
Ivor Warne-Smith, Bob ‘Tassie’ Johnson,
Colin Robertson.
Categories
Great Club – Clarence; Legendary Team – Ulverstone
1976; Memorable Game – Tasmanian Devils versus
Geelong Cats 2003.
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