Vale Don Eagle - CDFC
Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2016 9:48 amVale Don Eagle -
The name Don Eagle will mean little to most SANFL fans, in fact it will probably mean little to large numbers of Central District supporters.
However, Eagle played a very important part in the club's history, kicking the Bulldogs' first two goals in the SANFL league competition - while still a teenager.
Recruited from United in the state's Mallee region, located between Swan Reach and Loxton, Don was a big, old-school bloke who enjoyed the country lifestyle.
He was recruited to the club by first coach Ken Eustice, but that Mallee connection was not enough to hold Eagle to the CDFC, a shoulder injury ending his time in the big league.
Don continued to play football in the Mallee, where he coached Wunkar to the 1974 premiership, and the Riverland, for Loxton (where he was a multi-premiership player), and was also a more-than-handy cricketer.
His sons Eric, for Loxton, and Mick, Loxton North, also played football. Mick played in several flags for Loxton North during its glory period of four-straight premierships between 1997-2000.
Eagle wasn't one for big noting himself and was reticent of the spotlight, but he did return to the CDFC during its 50th anniversary year to toss the coin prior to the match.
Eagle passed away on February 21 at Loxton.
RIP, Don.
The name Don Eagle will mean little to most SANFL fans, in fact it will probably mean little to large numbers of Central District supporters.
However, Eagle played a very important part in the club's history, kicking the Bulldogs' first two goals in the SANFL league competition - while still a teenager.
Recruited from United in the state's Mallee region, located between Swan Reach and Loxton, Don was a big, old-school bloke who enjoyed the country lifestyle.
He was recruited to the club by first coach Ken Eustice, but that Mallee connection was not enough to hold Eagle to the CDFC, a shoulder injury ending his time in the big league.
Don continued to play football in the Mallee, where he coached Wunkar to the 1974 premiership, and the Riverland, for Loxton (where he was a multi-premiership player), and was also a more-than-handy cricketer.
His sons Eric, for Loxton, and Mick, Loxton North, also played football. Mick played in several flags for Loxton North during its glory period of four-straight premierships between 1997-2000.
Eagle wasn't one for big noting himself and was reticent of the spotlight, but he did return to the CDFC during its 50th anniversary year to toss the coin prior to the match.
Eagle passed away on February 21 at Loxton.
RIP, Don.