Simmonds passed away in hospital on Saturday afternoon with his wife Lesley and family by his side.
‘Simmo’ as he was affectionately known around the Club, played for his beloved Hawks between 1950 and 1961, winning the best and fairest in 1956 and named in the Hawthorn Football Club Team of the Century in 2001.
A lifetime confidant of John Kennedy Snr and a great mate of John O'Mahoney, the three could often be seen in the stands watching the current generation of Hawks train.
Simmonds was a terrific clubman who was famed within the confines of Glenferrie for his ability on the banjo. He joined the Hawks from Cohuna in country Victoria, and was a fine contributor over many years. Versatile and courageous, he was particularly strong and could play with equal effectiveness as a centreman, rover or back-pocket. He was fast and strong and came through hard with inspiring dashes that lifted the side. He played four games for Victoria in the 1956 carnival. Sadly he narrowly missed a place in the 1961 premiership through injury.
Roy was the idol of many Hawks supporters; he became the face or the voice of Hawthorn through his role as a panel member on the popular radio show London Stores and the early years of TV’s World of Sport. He returned to coach the Reserve 18 to a Premiership in 1972 and was Chairman of the Match Committee for the senior 1971 Premiership.
'Simmo’s' record in the Club’s best and fairest underlines how good a player he was. From 1951 to 1957 he gained a top three place every year, he won the Club’s best and fairest in 1956 and came second 1952, 1954 and third 1953, 1955 and 1957. Only Matthews and Tuck have a better record for consistency at this level.
HawksRadio: John O'Mahoney reflects on some of his favourite memories of long-time friend Roy Simmonds.Roy Simmonds - Born December 29, 1928
Played 1950 - 1961
Guernsy number 27
Games 192
Goals 78
Best and Fairest 1956
Best First Year Player 1950
Hawthorn Football Club Life Member 1959
Hawthorn Football Club Team of the Century 2001 – interchange
Chairman of the Match Committee 1971 – Premiers
Member of Match Committee 1971 - 1973
Reserves Coach 1972 – 1973
Reserves Premiers 1972
Funeral details
A funeral service to celebrate the life of Roy Alexander Simmonds will be held at Leonda by the Yarra, 2 Wallen Road, Hawthorn on Friday 15 August at 11am.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Royal Melbourne Hospital to assist prostate cancer research. Envelopes will be available at Leonda.
