Vale - Des Hinton and Cliff Noble

Vale Des Hinton, Cliff Noble

Des Hinton and Cliff Noble, who were popular players in the 1950s when the club was still based at the WACA Ground, died in April.

Des played mostly in the Seconds (now Reserves), but notched three League appearances in 1953. A strongly built support ruckman, Des was an important contributor to the Reserves premiership teams coached by Bob Miller – father of Sandover Medallist Ian - in both 1955 and 57.

After retiring as a player, Des became a league umpire and officiated in at least one league clash involving his old club after the move to Lathlain Park. Des also continued umpiring in junior competitions in the Perth zone. He was aged 91.

Cliff (aged 95) joined the Redlegs, as Perth was known at the time, at the WACA in 1951 and played 56 league games. A tigerish defender, his best season in the league side coached by Ern Henfry was 1954 when he made 16 league appearances, mostly in the back pocket. He also won the L. Hislop Serviceable Player Award.

Long clearing dashes around the flank were a feature of Cliff’s game. He played with Des Hinton in the 1955 Reserves premiership side.

Cliff also later enjoyed a celebrated 215-game career in the South Suburban Association, including winning the association’s champion player award and playing in numerous grand finals.

The Perth Football Club extends its sincere sympathy to both the Hinton and Noble families on their sad loss.