Darley, Allison Return Home

North Hobart has announced two major signings ahead of the 2019 Bupa Tasmanian State League season.

Former AFL player Sam Darley will be returning to his junior club after stints in the AFL and VFL systems.

Darley, 25, made his North Hobart senior debut as a 15-year-old in 2008 after starting at the Demons in Auskick before being drafted to the GWS Giants at 16 as a priority 17-year-old selection.

Darley went on to play 13 senior games during his time at the Giants before moving to the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2013 where he played seven games in two seasons.

Darley in action for Richmond’s VFL side. IC: AFL Photos

A successful stint with Richmond’s VFL side soon followed, with Darley captaining the Tigers to the 2017 VFL Grand Final and representing the VFL in 2016 and again in 2017 where he was named captain against the WAFL.

Darley then took on a captain-coach role at Geelong Football League side North Shore in 2018 before deciding to return to his home state.

Darley will be joined at the Demons by close friend Martyn Allison on a two-year deal.

Allison has been a standout performer in the Southern Football League for Lindisfarne and most recently Claremont, where he captained in 2018.

Marty Allison in action for Claremont. IC: Nikki Davis-Jones (the Mercury)

Allison had a stellar 2018 campaign, claiming Claremont’s best and fairest award, winning the Huon News’ footballer of the year award and finishing third in the William Leitch Medal.

Part of the Magpies’ 2016 SFL premiership, Allison, like Darley, is also returning to his junior club after playing his underage and early senior footy in the red and blue.

Allison made his senior debut for North Hobart back in 2010, going on to play 28 senior games for the club.

The signatures of Darley and Allison follow the announcement that 141-game Melbourne veteran Colin Garland will also be available to play a full season with the Demons of North Hobart in 2019.