Don Nicholls
Carlton
AFL career
77 games32 goals
- Debut
- R2 1956 v MEL21 Apr 1956
- Most recent
- R12 1961 v STK8 July 1961
Stats
Bio
Recruited from Maryborough in the Victorian Goldfields, Don Nicholls played a significant role in Carlton's history both as a talented utility and as the catalyst for his younger brother John's arrival at Princes Park. Their father famously insisted the siblings play together, meaning Don’s signing in 1956 effectively secured the future Legend's services the following season. On the field, the elder Nicholls was an immediate success, winning the club’s Best First Year Player award as a centreman known for his polished disposal and capacity to play across half-forward or half-back. Despite possessing a penetrating drop kick and strong athletic traits, his time in the VFL was restricted to 77 games, largely due to a troublesome ankle injury that forced a premature departure to Box Hill in the VFA. While often overshadowed by "Big Nick," Don remains a respected figure who set the initial standard for the family name in navy blue.
Profile
- Born
- 23 Nov 1936
- Died
- 10 Sept 2023 (aged 86y 291d)
- Height
- 178 cm
- Weight
- 80 kg
Teams
Family
- Brother:John Nicholls
Bio
1 revisionRecruited from Maryborough in the Victorian Goldfields, Don Nicholls played a significant role in Carlton's history both as a talented utility and as the catalyst for his younger brother John's arrival at Princes Park. Their father famously insisted the siblings play together, meaning Don’s signing in 1956 effectively secured the future Legend's services the following season. On the field, the elder Nicholls was an immediate success, winning the club’s Best First Year Player award as a centreman known for his polished disposal and capacity to play across half-forward or half-back. Despite possessing a penetrating drop kick and strong athletic traits, his time in the VFL was restricted to 77 games, largely due to a troublesome ankle injury that forced a premature departure to Box Hill in the VFA. While often overshadowed by "Big Nick," Don remains a respected figure who set the initial standard for the family name in navy blue.