DANSIE OAM, Hampton Neil 'Nodder'

The South Australian Cricket Association mourns the loss of Hampton Neil ‘Nodder’ Dansie, who passed away at the age of 94.

Originally debuting for Kensington at 15 years of age, Dansie would make his First-Class debut in January 1950. Representing South Australia a total of 124 times between 1950 and 1967, Dansie scored more than 7000 runs, which included 18 centuries and a high score of 185. He also took 90 wickets and 49 catches throughout his career.

Two Sheffield Shield titles came during Dansie’s tenure, and such was his impact on the game, the annual award for the State’s best male player is named after Dansie, as is the indoor training facility at Adelaide Oval – an honour he shares with his great mate Les Favell. The Order of Australia Medal was also awarded to Dansie in 1991 for his tireless service to sport.

Dansie also served on the SACA Board for 25 years, spent time coaching and selecting the State women’s team and was a Sheffield Shield selector for 30 years. During this time and beyond he also coached a huge number of young players.

An extremely humble man and known as the Patriarch of South Australian cricket, Neil Dansie will be remembered and celebrated as a talented cricketer and devoted administrator, but far more importantly he will be revered for his generosity, positivity and fierce loyalty. SACA thanks Neil for his incomparable service and his legacy will live on forever through the stories he told and the foundations he laid.