Vale Don Gilbourne

SANFL is mourning the passing of South Australian Football Hall of Fame Member, and Player Life Member, Don Gilbourne.

A triple North Adelaide premiership player, Don enjoyed an illustrious career with the Roosters which spanned 14 seasons from 1949 to 1962.

A member of North Adelaide’s Hall of Fame and named in the Back Pocket of the club’s Team of the Century, Don was considered a fine exponent of the drop kick while also transforming his playing role after a career-threatening motorcycle accident.

Having initially established himself at League level as a crafty half-forward flanker, Don was shifted to the back pocket, where he shone in the latter stages of his football journey.

Captaining his beloved Roosters to the 1960 premiership, Don formed a dynamic partnership for North Adelaide in defence with the club’s only other triple premiership player in the past 115 years – Bob Hammond.

Don’s talent on the national stage was also illustrated by him appearing for South Australia on 10 occasions, including a memorable performance against Victoria which earned him the O’Halloran Trophy as the Croweaters’ best afield.

Featuring in 206 games and booting 79 goals, Don passed away earlier this month, aged 88.

SANFL extends its deepest sympathy to the Gilbourne family as it honours Don’s outstanding service to the game in South Australia.