Don "Doc" McLeod is a North Hobart football legend. Few players at the
club or indeed in any other Tasmanian club have achieved as much in football.
Born in 1956, Don began playing with North Hobart shortly after his 16th birthday. In 1972 while still a schoolboy at Friend's School he played nine senior games.
It quickly became apparent that he had exceptional talent. He
had a great leap, sure hands, a huge left foot kick and was entirely fearless. He had a quiet and unobtrusive manner that hid a steely determination. Between 1972 and 1987 Don went on to play 256 games for the club - a club record.
During that time he was five times best and fairest, five times captain and represented Tasmania on seven occasions.
The 1976 Tasmanian Team - Don McLeod is pictured third from left in the back row.
Also featured are Michael Roach;on the left of the middle row, Paul Sproule; fourth from left in the front row, Peter Hudson (Capt.) fourth from right in the same row with Gary Linton and Hedley Thompson sitting third and second from right.
He played in most positions but was best known as a centre half forward. He was
recruited to Fitzroy as a specialist in that position but returned to Tasmania under pressure from North Hobart and to continue his academic studies.
Like most champions motivation came from within the family. His parents Bill and Jean encouraged Don to develop his talents, Friend's School coaches Greg Hill and Noel Ruddock honed his skills, then he came under the
influence of coaches Vin Crowe, John Devine and John Chick.
Don revealed in an interview after he stopped playing that he considered Dennis Scanlon,
Dennis Keats, Graham Strang, Shane Arnol and Mark Devine to be the best of his contemporaries at North. He remembers
Trevor Sprigg,
Tony Martyn and Brian Orr to be his strongest opponents.
Don McLeod was never reported and is philosophical about his injuries. He still carries some scars of battle. He recalled a persistent ankle injury that almost ended his career in 1973 saying "
Medical knowledge is not an advantage to a player.
"
His most memorable experience in football involved his then wife to be Suzie, who incensed at the unfair treatment given to Don during the 1974 grand final, came onto the ground at three quarter time and in front of a crowd
of 15,000 confronted umpire Stubbs with some advice on his performance. This sparked some response as North came from behind to win the game.
Don still maintains a strong interest in football within the limits imposed by his busy medical practice and family life. Don and Suzie have three children Jessica, Sophie and Sam.
He has high praise for current players and their levels of fitness, and the speed and skills of the game. When discussing football it is apparent that the love of the game which started Don McLeod on his football career at
the Friends School over 30 years ago still burns brightly.
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Don McLeod - A Tasmanian Football Legend
