Allan "Yabby" Jeans Tribute Post by: CK 13 July, 2011 - 9:46 AM

Hawthorn and St Kilda premiership coach Allan "Yabby" Jeans has passed away at the age of 77.

He's been unwell for some time but was able to say farewell to players he guided to premiership glory at two clubs.

"The coach of St Kilda's only premiership in 1966, of course he went to Hawthorn at a time when the club was in a state of flux having just lost David Parkin," said Eddie McGuire.

"He led them to the glorious 80's where they won in 83 and played in grand finals in 84,85,86,87,88,89 and 91 winning premierships along the way."

Leigh Matthews heard the sad news just moments before going on air with the Hot Breakfast and had this to say about Allan Jeans:

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• Neil Gardner says

  I met Yabby several times when he came to East Fremantle Football Club with Ken Judge in the 90's. What a great man. So humble, yet his football stories and his opinion on the game's direction were always worth listening to. We always had Allan talk to our district coaches about his philosophy on the game. He kept it so simple, yet people were enthralled by it. He also remembered people he'd met and always thanked people who were volunteers fpr their contribution to the game and encouraged them to remain involved.

  Posted Wednesday 13 July, 2011 10:14 AM
• Russell Sweetman says

  An inspirational man who i admired, as a 40 year Hawthorn supporter,
  I am saddened by the news of the passing of 'yabby' and will never forget sitting on the fence watching the 89 premiership team, that group of players where the epitome of this great man.I have been in leadership roles most of my life and he is a reference point when ever i have to speak to a group of people.
  'rest in peace'
  Russ Sweetman and family.

  Posted Wednesday 13 July, 2011 11:15 AM