Darryl Sutton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Darryl Sutton |
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Sutton during his North Melbourne career
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Darryl Lewis Sutton | ||
| Date of birth | 27 July 1952 | ||
| Place of birth | Hobart, Tasmania | ||
| Date of death | 28 January 2017 (aged 64) | ||
| Place of death | Melbourne, Victoria | ||
| Original team | Glenorchy (TANFL) | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Darryl Lewis Sutton (born July 27, 1952 – died January 28, 2017) was a talented Australian rules footballer. He played for several big teams in the Victorian Football League (VFL). These teams included the North Melbourne Football Club, Richmond Football Club, and the Sydney Swans. He also played in his home state of Tasmania for the Glenorchy Football Club and North Hobart Football Club.
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Darryl Sutton's Football Journey
Early Days and First Steps
Darryl Sutton was born in Hobart, Tasmania. He started his football career as a versatile player. This means he could play well in many different positions on the field.
He was first recruited by North Melbourne in 1973. At that time, he was playing for Glenorchy in the Tasmanian Australian National Football League (TANFL). After just one season, he returned to Glenorchy.
North Melbourne Success
Darryl Sutton's second time with North Melbourne began in 1976. This period was much more successful for him.
In 1976, he kicked five goals in a thrilling Preliminary Final. North Melbourne won that game by just one point against Carlton. However, they lost the Grand Final to Hawthorn that year.
Sutton played 91 games for North Melbourne. He was used both in defence and as a forward. He was a key player in their team that won the 1977 premiership. This was a huge achievement for him and the club.
He was also chosen for the All-Australian team twice. This happened in 1979 and 1980. He earned these honors for his great performances as captain of the Tasmania state team. This was during the 1979 and 1980 state carnivals.
Later Career and Coaching
Before he retired from the VFL in 1983, Darryl Sutton played for two more clubs. First, he joined the Richmond Football Club. After a season and a half there, he played his final VFL year with the Sydney Swans.
In 1984, he became the captain-coach of North Hobart in the TANFL. He spent three seasons in this role. In 1984, he had an amazing game, kicking 12 goals. This was in the First Semi Final win against New Norfolk.
Under his coaching, North Hobart played in the finals in his first year. In his last year as coach, he guided his team to the finals again. They were beaten in the First Semi Final of the new TFL Statewide League competition.
A True Game Changer
Darryl Sutton passed away on January 28, 2017, due to pneumonia.
His former teammate at North Melbourne, Peter Keenan, spoke highly of him. Keenan said Sutton was a "game changer." He mentioned Sutton's five goals in the 1976 Preliminary Final as an example. Keenan added that Sutton "was just one of those players who could turn it on. And a good bloke to boot."
