The St Bedes/Mentone Tigers AFC and Past Players would like to acknowledge the sad passing of former player and coach Don Meckiff.
Don had an outstanding 199 game football career with the Mentone Football Club. Commencing in 1948, he was a member of the 1950 Thirds premiership side, and then went on to establish himself in the senior side as the resident half back flanker renowned for his fierce approach at the ball and his opponent.
He was a key player and member of the famous 1956 premiership side played at the Cheltenham oval against local rivals Mordialloc. He was also talented enough to captain Richmond Reserves when trying out for the VFL.
In 1960 and 1961 Don captain-coached the Mentone Reserves, including winning a premiership in 1960. A true team player, Don loved the yellow and black and was awarded Life Membership in 1960 and inducted into the club’s inaugural Hall of Fame in 2004.
Don was a regular attendee at Mentone Past Player reunions and was also a keen supporter of the HOF concept. Don enjoyed sharing his memories from the club’s past and was particularly astute in identifying players from old team photographs.He would often dig out important memorabilia that assisted the Hall of Fame committee in its research.
Don also played 317 games and took 1136 wickets for the Mentone Cricket Club and is one of their inaugural “Legends.“
The Meckiff family name looms large at the Brindisi St Oval in both cricket and football hence the Hogben-Meckiff Oval name. A true Tiger!
Don will be sadly missed and fondly remembered. The club offers ourdeepest sympathy to his family.