AFL Masters National Carnival: Donny Dykes inducted into Legends category at Hall of Fame

AFL Masters Tasmania legend Donny Dykes reckons it's the first mark he’s dropped in over a decade, it just might be the most important one too. Find out why Dykes was made a Legend on Monday night.

Tasmanian AFL Masters champion Donny Dykes reckons it’s the first mark he has dropped in more than a decade, it’s just this one might have mattered the most.

The AFL Masters Hall of Famer was the only player upgraded to ‘Legend’ status at this years AFL Masters Hall of Fame ceremony, joining his wife and long-time AFL Masters official, Gail, in the Legends category.

Unfortunately Donny’s brilliant glass trophy won’t be sitting side-by-side with his wife’s on the mantle piece at home after it split in half following a crucial spill at the awards night.

“It’s the first mark I have dropped in 10 years,” Dykes said.

“The big problem was the plaque was sitting in a little box but wasn’t secured. When I leant forward, so did it. It is just another story to tell.”

Dykes has an entire novel of stories to tell from his years with the Masters, with the Tasmanian now competing in his 32nd national carnival in Fremantle as part of the Tas/Queensland combined Over-60s side.

AFL Masters general manager Adrian Raftery and Legends Hall of Famer Donny Dykes during the AFL Masters Hall of Fame ceremony in Fremantle. Picture: David Broadway

Dykes attended his first carnival on a whim as it was in his hometown in Hobart in 1993, and has not missed one since.

His exploits at the national carnival are legendary, having won the annual longest kick tournament that many times that last year they renamed the award the Donny Dykes Medal.

It was another moment, along with his Legends induction on Monday, that has floored the proud veteran.

“That was really special, when they told me that, I just thought ‘jeez’,” Dykes said.

“I think it is the national body recognising what your achievements are and what you bring to the Masters game.

“You get involved in these sports because you love it, you don’t do it to achieve these things.

“You read about the guys who have been awarded (Legend status) in the past, and the things they have done for their clubs and their states is just immense. To be considered among these people, I am just so humbled.”

AFL Masters Tasmania Hall of Fame duo Andrew Scott and Donny Dykes during the AFL Masters Hall of Fame ceremony in Fremantle. Picture: David Broadway

As for his namesake medal, Dykes was adamant he would be out there aiming to win his 10th longest kick medal after a lean couple of years.

There is also dreams of an 11th and 12th medal, with Dykes adamant his 32-year commitment to attending the AFL Masters National Carnival wasn’t about to end any time soon.

“The fact that you go away with the Tasie contingent - we take 120 people each year - with that you meet new people every time,” he said.

“When you start they are all mates, and when you finish the week they are all friends. That is what keeps you going year after year.

“I am going all right at the moment. I have played footy and cricket for more than 40 years. The older you are, the smarter you get on the field.”

Hall of Fame inductees Ian Fletcher, Donny Dykes, Keith Edwards, Andrew Scott and Joe Turci during the AFL Masters Hall of Fame ceremony in Fremantle. Picture: David Broadway

Dykes was quick to heap praise on AFL Masters Tasmania president Andrew Scott, who was among three players inducted into the AFL Masters Hall of Fame on Monday.

Scott was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside South Australia’s Joe Turci and Western Australia’s Keith Edwards, while Vic Metro’s Ian Fletcher was awarded Life Membership.

Originally published as AFL Masters National Carnival: Donny Dykes inducted into Legends category at Hall of Fame