CARMICHAEL, Don

Don Carmichael was a half-back who played with local team, Lincoln Stars in 1954.

He didn't make his debut until Round 12 in 1955 and struggled to hold down a regular senior spot, playing only 15 games between 1955 and 1957.

He won the Seconds Best and Fairest award in 1955 and was also a member of the League Seconds interstate team in that year.

After leaving Essendon, he played with St Kilda Seconds in 1958 before joining Redan in 1959.

He then moved to Williamstown (VFA) in 1960 and had a very successful career. He played 90 games and kicked 31 goals before retiring in 1965. Playing as a versatile forward, he was a member of the 1961 and 1964 grand final sides, came third in the 1962 best and fairest award and was named most versatile player in 1961. He also represented the Association in interstate football. He remained a Williamstown club member until his death in 2020.

He later played with Sale in 1968 and then was that club's chairman of selectors for a time and a selector for the Latrobe Valley League.

A handy all-round sportsman he played in three A Grade cricket premierships with Longford Cricket Club in 1975/76, 1976/77 and 1977/78 and later became a life member at North Gippsland Bowls Club.

In 2016, Bowls Victoria honoured Carmichael for nearly 30 years of distinguished service to Gippsland bowls at all levels, awarding him the Outstanding Service Award.

Carmichael died on the 8th October, 2020.