Syd Holland
Father to Joe.
Father figure, mentor, and confidant to hundreds across generations. A founding member of the club, Syd is synonymous with the Chieftains.
When you think of the Chieftains, you think of Syd Holland. He transformed the Chieftain brand from its early beginnings into an electric indoor cricket side, which became the nucleus for the Sidmouth Cricket Club in 1987. Passionate, proud, fierce, and loyal, Syd helped shape the Chieftains into one of the most recognisable clubs in Tasmanian sport.
The Redheads of ’87 looked as sharp as the Redheads of today. Years may have greyed the hair and deepened the lines, but the spark in his eyes always commanded respect and inspired passion right until the end.
Syd’s presence was magnetic; your Telstra shares were safe while he was near the phone, as he effortlessly drew people to the Chieftain cause. On the field, he was an entertaining, slashing top-order left-hander and a very useful leg-spinner.
Accolades
Life member
Inaugural president for nine seasons
Premiership captain
John Harding Memorial Award recipient
Career statistics
151 games
2,667 runs @ 23.81, highest score 90*
47 wickets @ 23.79, best bowling 3-46
Chieftain
Icons
Hadspen Cricket Club Icons are a special honour, recognising the outstanding contributions of players, coaches, administrators, and volunteers throughout our club’s history. The first Icons were inducted at our 25-year reunion in 2012, and since then, life members vote at key milestone events to celebrate those who have made a lasting impact on the club.
Nominees are selected by the committee and voted on by life members, with inductees added to the Hadspen Cricket Club Icons honourboard.
Decisions are made by majority vote, considering factors such as:
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Exceptional service and overall contribution to the club.
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Individual record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and longevity.
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For administrators, induction is typically reserved for existing life members.
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Players and coaches are assessed on achievements including premiership wins, batting and bowling records, and club champion awards.
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Life members may be nominated but cannot vote for their own induction.
Being named a Chieftain Icon is one of the highest honours at Hadspen Cricket Club, celebrating those who have helped shape our proud history.
Paul Smith
A true visionary, a genuine character.
Plenty of laughs on the field, plenty of laughs off it. Paul Smith served as president from 1997 to 2004, guiding the club with vision, determination, and a great sense of humour.
Together with his committee, Paul understood that for the Chieftain brand to grow and dominate again, it needed to move beyond the Sidmouth fortress. An early trial season at Kings Meadows High School didn’t deter him. With foresight and fortitude, he led the club to the ground and clubhouse facilities we enjoy today at Hadspen — second to none in the league and the proud home of the Chieftains.
Paul ensured the future of the Chieftain brand, instilling pride for generations to come. On the field, he was a handy slow-medium right-arm bowler who took some memorable wickets and always thought he was a superior batsman — all part of his charm.
Accolades
Life Member
Member since Sidmouth XI’s inception
Former President for seven seasons
Former Captain
A laugh-a-minute on the field
An all-round good bloke — your friend and mine
Career statistics
243 games
3,199 runs @ 16.32, highest score 100
151 wickets @ 20, best bowling 5-49
Grant Davern
Genuinely feared by some, revered by most, respected by all.
Ask 10 people to name someone who embodies the Chieftains, and seven out of ten will say Grant Davern. A tearaway quick in his prime, nostrils flaring and every vein and sinew pumping, he brought a fair splash of white-line fever to every match. There was no finer sight than watching the opposition hunted down with Davvy leading the attack.
A hard-hitting right-hand batsman and a player who lived everything at one pace — flat out. Off the field, Grant was measured, considerate, and grew into a true leader over the years. With Tracey never far behind in support, he became a wonderful servant to the club and to the game at large.
Accolades
Life Member
TCL Hall of Fame Inductee – 2022
President and long-term committee member
Multiple premiership player
Team of the Quarter Century recipient
Ultimate Premiership Team recipient
Former Captain
Multiple Best & Fairest winner
John Harding Memorial Award recipient
Career statistics
413 games
7,594 runs @ 21.95, highest score 148
467 wickets @ 26.40, best bowling 6-24
John Bailey
The Swing King.
The most decorated Chieftain of all, known simply as JB, John Bailey has done it all. A master of swing bowling, he excelled at his craft, dismantling countless batting line-ups over a remarkable three-decade career with a deceptively simple approach.
This original Chieftain played in multiple premierships, won five Best and Fairest awards, featured in more than 430 matches, and took an astounding 636 wickets. Bailey understood his game perfectly — taking a wicket every 27th delivery, conceding very few runs, and claiming too many five-wicket hauls to count, with his best figures at 8-5.
Off the field, his contributions were just as significant, mentoring future generations through the club’s junior program and sharing his invaluable knowledge. JB is a John Harding Memorial Award recipient and former treasurer. Passionate, ultra-competitive, loyal, and proud, John Bailey, a life member, is a true Hadspen icon who helped shape and elevate the Chieftain brand.
Accolades
Life Member
TCL Hall of Fame Inductee – 2023
Member since Sidmouth XI’s inception
John Harding Memorial Award recipient
Former Captain
Most club career matches
Club’s leading wicket-taker
Multiple premiership player
Team of the Quarter Century recipient
Ultimate Premiership Side recipient
Career statistics
427 games
1,352 runs @ 8.09, highest score 31*
636 wickets @ 15.98, best bowling 8-5
Peter De Boer
The Vet.
A spin bowler, an ordinary batsman, and an all-round great guy, Peter De Boer is Player No.11 but the Chieftains’ No.1 supporter. Often the 12th man, Peter played 33 games — taking 15 wickets from 37.5 overs and scoring 78 runs at 7.09 — yet it is his off-field contributions that truly define his Icon status.
An inaugural club life member, Pete has supported the club for more than 30 years, both as a sponsor and on occasion financially saving the club. He served as treasurer from 1990 to 1992 and has been instrumental in shaping the Chieftains into the club they are today. A proud clubman, you’ll often find him on the sidelines with a beer in hand, chatting with players and spectators alike. In 2013, the club named the bar in appreciation of The Vet’s ongoing support. The Chieftains are grateful for his loyalty, pride, and enduring commitment.
Accolades
Life member
Former treasurer
Long-time sponsor
John Harding Memorial Award recipient
Career statistics
33 games
78 runs @ 7.09, highest score 23
15 wickets @ 13.47, best bowling 4-9