John Devine

Recruited from Colac in 1960, John Devine quickly established himself as one of the most uncompromising defenders of his era. Nicknamed "Colac" by teammates, he made an immediate impact at Geelong, finishing runner-up in the Best and Fairest in his debut season and assuming the vice-captaincy the following year. A rugged, physical half-back known for his "loping" run and fearless attack on the ball, Devine was a central figure in the Cats' famous 1963 Premiership side. His playing career at Kardinia Park came to an abrupt end following the 1966 semi-final, where a suspension for striking saw him look elsewhere for opportunities, eventually leading him across the Bass Strait.

Devine's move to Tasmania cemented his status as a football legend in two states. He took on the role of captain-coach at North Hobart, where he remarkably coached his first premiership in 1967 from outside the boundary line while serving the remainder of his VFL suspension. He led North Hobart to three flags during his tenure before eventually returning to Geelong as senior coach in 1986. While his three-year coaching stint at the Cats did not yield a premiership, he is widely credited with recruiting and developing the core group of players—including Garry Hocking, Billy Brownless, and Mark Bairstow—who would propel the club to multiple Grand Finals in the late 1980s and early 1990s.