Tasmanian Hall of Fame football player John Leedham dies aged 92

John Leedham, a tough and talented player who is widely regarded as the best Tasmanian footballer never to play in the VFL/AFL, has passed away aged 92.

John Leedham, front centre, with past and present North Hobart players as they celebrated the return to the club’s original jumper design. in 2018. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

TASMANIA’S football fraternity is mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Tasmanian Team of the Century vice-captain John Leedham, who passed away in Hobart overnight aged 92.

Known as the “Great JL”, Leedham was a tough and talented player, a state-based superstar and widely regarded as the best Tasmanian never to play in the AFL/VFL.

Despite retiring as a North Hobart player and coach in 1959, Leedham’s legacy and reputation lived strong.

He was an intimidating and imposing centreman, who could play key positions in defence and up forward. Off the field he was a gentleman.

Leedham came from Campbell Town and joined North Launceston in 1946. He played in NTFA premierships in 1946, ’47, ’48, ’49 and ’50, as well as three state premierships.

Melbourne wanted Leedham to play for the Demons in the VFL but an untimely knee injury while training in Melbourne stopped a move to Victoria.

NORTH CELEBRATES RETURN TO TRADITIONAL JUMPER DESIGN

John Leedham in full flight during his playing days with North Hobart.

Leedham played 124 games for North Launceston, which included being captain-coach, then moved to North Hobart where he was playing-coach from 1954-59, including a flag in 1957.

Leedham represented Tasmania at the 1947, 1953 and 1958 interstate carnivals. In 1953 he was named in the inaugural All-Australian side, the first Tasmanian to achieve the feat, and in the 1958 Melbourne Carnival he captain-coached the state to famous wins against South Australia and Western Australia.

He was elevated to Icon status in the Tasmanian Football Hall of fame along with Collingwood’s dual Brownlow Medal winner Ivor Warne-Smith in 2014.

“JL” was named as ruck-rover in the Tasmanian Team of the Century and vice-captain to Darrel Baldock, who had high regard for him.

After his playing career, which also included stints at Margate and Campbell Town, he became the longest serving president of the North Hobart Football Club.

Leedham leaves behind children Jennifer, Pippa and John, 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.