Like many North Hobart players, Darrel Eaton began his football career with Campbell Street School and joined North West in the SSOBA, winning the clubs "most tenacious" award in three consecutive years. In 1946 he joined North Hobart seconds, winning the George Watt Medal for the best and fairest player.
He was promoted to senior ranks in 1947 and won selection in the Tasmanian Carnival team that year. He was also a member of State sides in 1950 in Brisbane, in 1951 in Hobart and in 1953 in Adelaide. Darrel was cleared by North in 1952 to Wynyard, who had appointed him coach and he led them to their first premiership. He won the Wander medal, the NWFU's best and Fairest award in 1953. In 1954 he switched to fellow NWFU club Devonport and in 1955 returned to North Hobart.
	He played in the 1957 premiership team as vice captain under the great coach Jack Metherell . He described Metherell as a 'coaching disciplinarian' and stated "He was the greatest coach to come to Tasmania, and was very good at getting the players fit. He was a fitness fanatic, he would drive you so hard that when you came off the ground after training you could hardly lift your legs to walk up the steps. As well, he was a sensational player, he could kick goals from any angle and was phenomenal around goal."
	Darrel Eaton, like Metherell turned to football umpiring and became a respected TFL umpire for two seasons. He was appointed non playing coach of North Hobart in 1960 taking them to TFL and State premierships in 1961 and 1962. he resigned midway through the 1964 season along with captain Peter Marquis and vice captain Ray Bailey over a committee decision to select a player they didn't believe should be in the team.
	Darrel Eaton, life member pictured with North Hobart captain Matthew Brereton.
Darrel Eaton later became a leading bookmaker and has continued to be a great supporter of the club after his playing days. He was awarded life membership of North Hobart.

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Darrel "Dasher" Eaton - a Tasmanian Football Legend