On Saturday, January 25, a sizeable crowd gathered at Donald Sports Centre’s Goff Letts Oval to honour one of the Royal Blues’ greatest behind-the-scenes figures – Colin Adams.

The occasion marked a significant moment in the club’s history, as Colin was inducted into Donald Football Club’s Hall of Fame, and the trainers’ room was dedicated in his name.

The ceremony began with Danny Forrest, president of Donald Football Club, setting the tone with a personal reflection. 

“One of the greatest gifts you can give is your personal time,” he said, highlighting the lasting impact Colin had made over the years. 

Colin’s dedication to the Royal Blues isn’t just a story of firsts – it’s a legacy of unwavering support and commitment. The unanimous vote by life members to honour him spoke volumes, as Colin was recognised for the many ways he has shaped the club’s history, both on and off the field.

Footy Farm
Thirty years ago, Colin was one of the first to turn the soil at the club’s recently acquired footy farm, laying the foundation for the Royal Blues’ future. His involvement with the club didn’t stop there – he’s been its number one ticket holder year after year and a consistent contributor, even offering up the number one item at the Goods and Services auction for 20-odd years. 

Trainer
But his standout contribution was his role as a trainer, a position he held with distinction. Fellow trainer Greg Egan, shared another “first” with the crowd: Colin introduced the first female football trainer to the club, a move that many have copied since.

Colin’s impact has spread beyond just football. He was a fixture in the lives of players from multiple sports, including hockey and netball, even assisting with work injuries and organising appointments for players with the right doctors. 

“Doctor”
He earned the nickname “Dr. Col” (or sometimes “Dr. Sid”) for his incredible knowledge and knack for diagnosing injuries. 

“And if Col didn’t know something, he’d research it”, continued Greg. “Whether it was a simple taping job or offering advice on more complex injuries, Colin was always there, often going above and beyond, even for the younger players who might not have taken the best care of themselves or their nutritional needs. 

“Saturday mornings at his house became a ritual, where young players would gather for a hearty breakfast, thanks to Colin’s nurturing ways.”

Throughout the years, Colin had worked alongside and taught a stellar group of trainers, including John Davidson, Rodney Davidson, Anne-Marie Wright and Jed McLoughlan. His work ethic and dedication were second to none. 

The trainers’ room, which was dedicated in his honour, is a testament to his influence. What began as a small, makeshift space with trestles and a hard top, had grown over time, evolving into a proper, fully equipped facility, some of it built by Colin himself, with running water and all the necessary amenities to support the players.

The naming of the “Colin Adams Trainers’ Room” is the Royal Blues’ tribute to Colin’s journey. Col’s son, Marc, assisted in unveiling the plaque, though the extremely effective trainer’s tape wouldn’t peel off easily, to everyone’s amusement. 

Involvement
Colin, visibly moved by the turnout, took a moment to thank everyone for interrupting their long weekend to be there in support of him. His words revealed the depth of his connection to the club, recounting how he first got involved when his sons Simon and Marc started playing. 

At that time, Colin had been retired from football and was more focused on golf, but soon enough, he found himself at training, helping with taping and learning on the fly. From there, his role only grew, and he became an indispensable part of the club’s fabric. 

“I’ve worked with some outstanding people over the years,” Colin said, naming a few key people who had been part of his journey, particularly Dr. Rob Bradford and his wife Vicki, and physiotherapists like Linden Hart. The support from the club had always been there, he noted, emphasising how crucial the community’s involvement and club leadership were in making everything work.

The day culminated in a round of cheers and applause for Colin, marking the occasion with family photos and plenty of congratulations. It was a well-deserved recognition for a man whose behind-the-scenes work had made such a significant impact on the Royal Blues. 

The trainers’ room now proudly bears his name, a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions have shaped the club for generations. The message was clear: Colin Adams was, and always will be, at the heart of the Royal Blues’ community.