Former North Hobart Captain Dennis Keats was a "Jack of all Trades" player who at 6 foot three in the old language played in most key positions throughout his 170 game career. In fact he played in every position except rover. He went on to play in the number 7 guernsey until 1977, was bets and fairest in 1971, played in the 1974 premiership and was club captain in 1975.
He also had tryouts with Fitzroy in 1968 and 1969 and with Hawthorn in 1972.
But before football, Keats starred in the pool; firstly as one of the State's most talented junior swimmers in his teenage days and then at water polo. As a consequence football wasn't important at school, and it was not until he started playing with the amateurs at matriculation college under Robin Hood that his talent became obvious. Keats was to return to the pool later in life; but now to footy.
Keats started his career at senior level in 1968 with the North Hobart Robins as they were in those days. He vividly recalled as a youngster coming of the bench on Grand Final day that year only to be defeated by New Norfolk in one of the toughest grand finals on record. The following year North Hobart redeemed themselves under the guidance of John "Dead Legs" Devine and as Keats stated "this season was probably the highlight of my career." On a personal note he overcame injuries sustained in a vehicle accident with the army; and the team went on to win the State premiership after defeating Latrobe and Launceston.
The State final he said was magic as it seemed nothing could go wrong with North Hobart steam rolling the northern premiers by over 20 goals.
Keats regularly represented the TFL, won a club best and fairest in 1971 and again tasted premiership success in 1974. The following year he was appointed captain before temporarily retiring in 1976. Keats had one last season under Ian Bremner in 1977 before finally calling it quits.
Quits that is with footy, because he soon became more actively involved with basketball; playing in several Business House premierships with Telecom and with Dodgers in the local league. He then turned his hand to volleyball with great success before becoming involved in junior soccer and basketball coaching where his children commenced their sporting interests. More recently, Keats returned to the pool in veterans events and in seven events contested, won six gold and a silver at the national championships in Launceston in 1990. Keats also had a stint with the media, working on radio with the ABC, 7HO and 7HT before doing some TV with - "Who, Won, Why?"
These days he has only a passing interest in football where he still follows the Demons however often watches Clarence, because he now lives on the Eastern shore. He feels a regional competition with the champions playing off, more suits the needs of our cash strapped economy.
Married to Gail, they have two sons - Nick and Julian. Dennis worked at Telecom for about 20 years before moving to Sport & Recreation where he is presently employed as a Sports Business Consultant.
Great opposition players of his era included Rod Olsen, Graham Mackey, Terry Mayne, Mick Elliott and John Bingley - as he cautiously stated not necessarily in any order. Of his team mates while none made them walk taller than "Father" Devine, Jimmy Wright was also a tough competitor. Denis Scanlon excelled as a ruckman and later played with Essendon, while "Doc" Roberts could always be relied upon as a defender.
On a lighter note the congenial Keats recalled he was only reported once in his career - for returning fire on Glenorchy's Jim Dykes only to mistake him and hit brother Robbie instead!
Jim later held up the family tradition by KO ing Keatsy in the 1974 Preliminary Final.
As can be seen by his football and sporting achievements Denis Keats was a real "Jack of all Trades" - But more importantly he mastered them.
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