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John Leedham or the great "John L", as he became known to thousands of Tasmanian football followers was the first Tasmanian player to win an All Australian blazer. He achieved this honour at the 1953 Adelaide carnival however he also represented Tasmania at the 1947 & 1958 carnivals. It was at this latter carnival that Leedham also captained and coached the Tasmanian team. In all John Leedham appeared for Tasmania 13 times and clocked up countless representative games.
Born on May 20th 1928, John Leedham lived at Campbell Town but never played football at school. He played a couple of games with Campbell Town before he was invited to join the North Launceston Club starting there in 1946 as a 17 year old centre half forward.
During his time at North Launceston he played in numerous premierships including one in his first year. He was a member of the victorious premiership team again the following year defeating City for the second year running.
On October 4th at York Park he featured in the State premiership win over North Hobart, also gaining selection in the combined representative games against the TFL and the NTFA and further, was picked to represent Tasmania in the ANFC carnival in Hobart.
The following year North Launceston again won the NTFL premiership but failed at the last gasp to beat New Town in the State premiership decider. During 1948, Collingwood visited Tasmania and was beaten by North Launceston 13.12 to 8.14. John Leedham featured again in the 1949 grand final win over Launceston and gained representative honours once more. A similar story ensued in 1950 with North again winning both titles.
He became captain and coach of the team in 1953 but the team had an inconsistent season with eight wins and seven losses.
North Launceston's 1946 premiership team. John Leedham is in the centre of the back row.
He was a key member of the victorious State premiership side against North Hobart at York Park on 4th October 1947 and gained further honours that year being selected in the Tasmanian side in the ANFC carnival in Hobart.
John Leedham is pictured sitting sixth from the left in the second row from the front.
In 1949 he was invited to play with Melbourne however an injured knee cut short his VFL career.
After playing in his first carnival in Hobart in 1947, he went on to be part of 5 NTFA flags With North Launceston until the age of 22 he decided to have a go at coaching. He took over the reins at Campbell Town before going back to coach North Launceston in 1952. He played a total of 124 games with them until the end of the 1953 season when he left to coach North Hobart.
He coached North Hobart from 1954 -59 playing 124 games with the club including winning the premiership in 1957.
After the league "John L" coached Margate for a few years before returning home to Campbell Town to play in 1963-64 before finally retiring.
John Leedham is pictured first on the left heading the Margate team photo. Also featured on the far right at the end of the line is Roger Steele.
Leedham was described by the press of the day as a true champion who almost without exception had the better of his opponents despite their reputation or perceived ability. Underlining his own talent and obvious ability to perform at the highest level was his effort in winning All Australian selection in 1953. This was even more remarkable when you consider Tasmania never won a game at the 1953 carnival. Footy followers describe him as one of Tassy's greatest footballers. He always played with his socks down, was a great talker and never shirked an issue.
He has reflected on his playing days and recalled a number of great players of his era. He nominated Barry Strange, "Rattler" Summers, Noel Atkins and Geoff Hill as just a few of those who stood out.
After footy Leedham had a stint as a commentator and worked for Channel Six's World of Sport for about five years with Brian Hodgman, Peter Sharp and Harry Ward. A keen racegoer he also held a bookmakers licence for a time in the 80's.
Married to Evelyn (Bubbles) they have three children: Jenny who represented the state at netball and water polo, Pippa who also excelled at netball and John Jnr who played with North Hobart.
These days he lives in Lenah Valley, and spends plenty of time with the family and grandkids. He is the elected president of North Hobart, a post he says is both challenging and rewarding.
He is still as colourful as ever and was truly one of Tasmania's greatest players. John Leedham is one of a kind and one of Tassie football's all time champions.
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John Leedham - A Tasmanian Football Legend
