Don Scott was one of the finest backmen to play football in Tasmania at both ends of the island.
His is a name that will never be forgotten in Tasmanian football circles. Don was outstanding, a spectacular player for 17 years seldom having an 'off' day.
He received his football tuition at the Launceston Church Grammar School from the late Len Findlay, who had outstanding success with Grammar School teams. He attributed his subsequent success to this great coach.
He enlisted when still at school and was accepted for service in August 1918 but had not been called up when the armistice was signed.
He first played with Invermay in 1916 at age 13 while the NTFA was in recess and when competition resumed in 1918 Invermay merged with North Launceston.
While still at school Don played his first senior game with North Launceston in 1919, at 16 years of age.
Don was selected to play for the NTFA in his first season against the TFL.
This was the beginning of a great career.
In 1920 he was selected to play in the NTFA side which took on the TFL, and visiting South Australian sides West Adelaide and West Torrens. He played in every combined game up until 1927 and won 10 best player trophies.
In 1922 he played in the drawn grand final for North against City with both sides registering 5.11.41. The Association committee decided at a special meeting that under the rules the result left City as premiers for the season since they had a two point lead at the end of the 11 roster matches.
He was a member of the 1923 premiership side when North beat City by six points 5.9.39 to 4.9.33. Unluckily they were beaten by 17 points by North Hobart in the battle for the State premiership. Both Scott brothers were club trophy winners for the 1923 season and also played against visiting sides Broken Hill and Collingwood plus the TFL and NWFU.
An unusual representation of the 1923 premiership side. Don Scott is pictured in the top left corner while his brother Allan is second from the left at the bottom of the picture.
Don Scott went on to play in the 1925 premiership side as well. In the 1925 premiership race North Launceston beat Launceston 8.8.56 to 6.10.46 on October 10th a day of heavy rain squalls. Both Scott brothers featured prominently. The State premiership decider against Cananore was held in Hobart before a crowd of 6000 spectators. Unfortunately North were not up to the job and wre swept aside by a rampaging Cananore who played fast systematic football to administer a 71 point defeat. The only department that the northern premiers showed any superiority in was the air where the Scott brothers gave a fine display. Allan Scott won the medal for best player in the North Launceston team.
The 1925 North Launceston NTFA premiership side. Allan Scott is pictured second from left in the front row while Don is third from right in the front row.
He never missed selection in combined games and played for Tasmania in the 1924 carnival.
The 1924 Tasmanian Carnival team - Don Scott is third from left in the third row. Standing second from left is his brother Allan. Horrie Gorringe is pictured sitting in the front row second from right and Allan Leitch is in the back row third from left.
He has the unique distinction of having played for both the NTFA and the TFL in one season - 1927. He was chosen for the North against South and played then he was transferred to Hobart in mid season, he joined Cananore and was selected in the southern side to play the return game. He remained with Cananore in 1928.
Don returned to North Launceston in 1929 until he retired in 1932. He played in the 1931 NTFA premiership side which defeated Longford by scoring 9.15.69 to 8.9.57.
North Launceston's 1931 NTFA premiership side - Don Scott is pictured sitting to the right of his brother Allan (with the ball).
A natural centre half back because of his great ability as a high mark, he played in more than 20 North vs South games; also against visiting mainland and NWFU combinations over a period of many years. He played 157 games for North Launceston and 30 for Cananore.
He also excelled as an oarsman, representing Tasmania in the Kings Cup in 1922,23 and 1924 and was a member of the State eight which challenged Murray Bridge for the right to represent Australia in Paris.
Don Scott was made an honorary life member of North Launceston Football Club in 1927 and in 1933 became an elected life member of the NTFA.
After he retired he acted as an independent delegate to the NTFA and was a selector on occasions for representative matches.
The North Launceston football club senior best and fairest award is named after Don and his brother Allan.
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