Family and Goodwood Saints pay tribute to former premiership player and coach Darron Hogben

One of Adelaide’s biggest footy clubs has paid tribute to a much-loved premiership player and coach who passed away suddenly.

A decorated football player, coach and dad to three kids is being remembered as a loving bloke and club member who was larger than life.

Darron Hogben – who won four premierships as a player and coach with Goodwood Saints – passed away after suffering a seizure last week.

Hogben built retirement homes alongside his brother Shane as director of Alabri Life Retirement Living.

He used this business to provide sponsorship for the Saints.

The 56-year-old’s death has broken the hearts of his wife Natasha and their children Jade, Aston and Chase.

Shane said his family was still coming to terms with the loss.

12/08/15 – Darron Hogben has transformed a heritage listed Highgate home built in 1938 into a retirement home with three apartment units. Photo Tom Huntley.

“We’re very shocked,” he said.

“It’s come so sudden.

“We’re just trying to pull together at the moment.

“He was such a great and loving person who loved his kids, his wife and his sport.

“I’ve got great memories of growing up with him and playing footy alongside him.”

A passionate footy fan growing up, Hogben’s Goodwood career began in 1992 and he quickly became a strong senior player, winning premierships in 1993 and 1997.

He played 122 games for the club and kicked 172 goals before coaching its C Grade side to premierships in 2006 and 2013.

Hogben had been a much-loved and well-respected member of the Goodwood Saints since joining in 1992. Picture: Goodwood Saints Football Club

For the last five years, Hogben was part of the Saints’ successful junior system as assistant coach of the U8 and U10 sides.

President Craig Scott said Hogben’s impact was unassailable.

“It’s a real massive kick in the guts,” Scott said.

“He was such a big part of the club.

“I’ve been at the club for 44 years so I’ve known Darron a very long time as a player and coach.

“He was a great character who always had the best interests of his family, the club and everyone involved at heart.

“Everyone loved playing for him.

“He was full of joy and was a bit of a larrikin too.

“You need characters like him at a club, people like Hoggy they make you smile and laugh.”

Hogben was a popular and well-respected junior coach through recent years at the Saints and was never afraid to have a good time. Picture: Goodwood Saints Football Club

Shane said Darron’s passion for the community summed him up as a person.

“He was so community-involved,” he said.

“Just such a giving and great guy who impacted a lot of people.”

Hogben’s funeral will be held on Friday, with the club also hosting an event for family, members and fans afterwards.