Very sad news to hear of the passing of Cliff “Chappy” Chaplin on Wednesday 7th January 2026, just shy of 101 years. Having resided in Hahndorf Nursing Home, Chappy became unwell and was transferred to Mt Barker Hospital where he passed with Mabel by his side.
Chappy was a significant part of Mt Lofty Football Club’s heritage, commencing his playing days with Stirling, becoming a foundation member of the Heathfield Football Club and later Heathfield Aldgate United where his incredible dedication to the clubs’ and the Heathfield community were recognised with Life Membership of Heathfield Aldgate United in 1975. HAU was an amazing Football Club and Chappy did so much to build the culture of the club. Volunteering for many roles including Goal Umpire and Trainer, we will never forget the amazing Scurvy Pirates and the Heathfield Heartthrobs created by Chappy. A fair dinkum Aussie who proudly served his country in the Navy in the Second World War, he really brought some of the fun songs to life with the A grade teams over the years at the annual presentation. He could never have done it so well without Mabel’s talented accompaniment on piano. Chappys contribution along with Mabel as a dedicated volunteer, their son Barry as a 6 time Premiership player across the grades and daughter Dianne one of the passionate supporters, they were one of many families of that era to all contribute enormously towards the club we proudly call Mt Lofty today.
We also have a story about Mabel over the last few weeks! She still resides at the family home and was on respite in Hahndorf Nursing Home during the Christmas/New Year to be closer to Cliff. Unfortunately she had a fall resulting in a fractured ankle so when Cliff was transferred to Mt Barker Hospital, so was Mabel. The hospital team organised for them both to share a room together, so she really was by his side until the end! Family have said that was probably appropriate given their union over 76 years! Mabel is now in rehab in Gumeracha Hospital, doing very well with her recovery and is hoping to return home in the next week or so under the care of Dianne and home help.
Cliff didn’t want a fuss at his passing so his family will have a private cremation and will spread his ashes together.
Please enjoy the photos below and send any condolences via legends@mtloftydevils.com.au these will be passed on to the family.
Devils, please find below the details of the amazing Stan and Barb’s funeral to be held this Friday, 9th January, 1pm, Heathfield Oval.
The Evans family would like to pass on the following information:
All past and current players of Mt Lofty and heritage clubs are encouraged to wear something that identifies their club (eg; gurnsey, polo, hat, beanie, scarf etc).
When the hearse leaves the oval it will journey towards the clubroom wing, follow the boundary past the top goals and exit through the gate opposite the clubrooms. During this time, all past and current members of all sports clubs, will be invited to form a guard of honour at the exit gate. More information will be provided at the conclusion of the service.
There will be a drop off point near the top side of the change-rooms which has a ramp (disability) to access down to the oval, Berry Funeral will direct from there for drop off.
Planning for the forecasted weather, there will be a large marquee for shelter on the oval for the service, misting fans and plenty of water.
A reminder that the service will be on the oval, so please ensure you are comfortable in your footwear for the approximate 2 hour duration. Afternoon tea will also be provided.
FOR LIVE-STREAMING DETAILS AND MESSAGES OF CONDOLENCE PLEASE VISIT : BERRYFUNERALS.COM.AU
It is with great sadness we share with you the passing of Stan Evans on 28 November and the passing of Barb Evans 7 days later, on 4th December 2025.
STAN EVANS LEGACY
Stan, a Heathfield-Aldgate United Life member and MLDFC Life Member, has left a legacy to not only the Community he served throughout his life, but with the Mt Lofty District Football Club as it stands now. So many legendary tales of his contributions towards the ground we play on and the club we celebrate in. He played a significant part in pushing (or getting around) the red tape for developing the Heathfield Oval which was the beginning of a long and important influence on our Club. To be frank, our club, and our oval, would not be here without Stan, his persistence, and his family’s support.
BARB EVANS LEGACY
Barb, a stalwart and pillar of our community. For decades, Barb was the driving force behind many essential activities that kept our club thriving. Barb established, managed and spent many hours working in our canteen, ordering the stock, picking up orders, arriving early on game day to get the pie warmers going and packing up after the games. Barb also catered for many major club events and managed external bookings for our clubrooms, welcoming organisations such as Apex, Rotary and Council with the same warmth and efficiency. Barb even once catered for the South Australian Governor!
We offer our sincere condolences to the Evans family on behalf of the Lofty Legends and MLDFC community.
David and the Evans family have accepted our offer for you to provide condolences via legends@mtloftydevils.com.au. These will be passed on to the family. Please respect their wishes for privacy as they navigate this challenging time.
This weekend’s Advertiser will offer further information. Funeral details to be advised.
Given the immense contribution from both Stan & Barb, a comprehensive appreciation and dedication will be forwarded shortly amongst all parties of the MLCSC including the MLDFC.
The Evans family at the official opening of the new change rooms Iain, David, Andrew, Barb, Stan, Daphne, YvonneNever afraid of hard work, Stan with a shovel! Stan Evans, President of Heathfield Aldgate United FC at the 1966 opening of Heathfield Oval with SANFL Chairman Tony Kenny Barb & Stan on their 70th Wedding Anniversary 2022
If you haven’t added your name to the roster yet, please click on the roster link below. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference
We are seeking between 28 and 36 people across key time slots, and with more than 500 players in the club, it should be easy to fill those spots fast! The roster has been split into playing groups, but please add your name where it suits best.
Free entry to the Grand Final (the HFL manages the gate on the day).
A front-row role on one of the most exciting days of the season.
The satisfaction of supporting a huge fundraising opportunity – proceeds will help us bridge the gap needed to upgrade our oval lights to LED by season 2026.
Mt Lofty District Football Club would like to thank Daryl Hampton, who did us the honour of tossing the commemorative Life Member coin for our match against Narine on Saturday 23 August 2025, joined by his sons Daniel and Matt with wife Colleen watching from the stands.
Daryl was made a Mt Lofty District Football Club Life Member in 1992 and continues to be a loyal supporter of the Devils and who still volunteers to assist in maintenance of the complex.
The Hampton brothers (Geoff, Ian “Doug”, Daryl and Phillip) have an outstanding record of Premierships and individual awards and Daryl was a very significant part of that. Commencing at age 8 he was a part of the very successful Heathfield Aldgate United era at Junior and Senior levels, before going on to play in 3 Mt Lofty A Grade Premierships.
Junior football saw him win the 1968 HFL Under 13’s Best and Fairest (Mail Medal equivalent) and represent the State Schoolboys in 1970.
As a senior player, Daryl was strong, skilled and as a former teammate reports a “little cheeky on field”. Throughout his career with him eventually retiring in 1991 at the age of 36. Over his full career he played in a total of 15 Grand Finals, becoming a member of 13 Premierships which included 5 A Grade Premierships with United and 3 Mt Lofty A Grade flags including the first A Grade for the club in 1991.
While his decorated career ended in 1991 he then became a very hard-working volunteer in coaching and committee positions before stepping back but continuing to do many maintenance activities. He coached the U13’s United Premiership and Captain-Coached the A Grade in the second half of the 1989 season. Further significant contributions came as Chairman 1996 and 1997 and President in 1998.
Thank you sincerely on behalf of everybody at Mt Lofty for all you have done and for your continued support for our club.
Daryl with sons Matt and DanielDaryl with Lofty Legend convenor and Head Trainer Nikki MooreThree Hampton brothers in the 1973 HAU United A Grade Premiership Daryl’s first of 5 A grade Premierships for United. Daryl (3rd from left, font row), Geoff (6th from left, front row), Ian “Doug” (5th from left, centre row).Daryl, far right, with brothers Phil and Geoff at the 2019 reunion.The three Hampton brothers all members of Mt Lofty SAGA A Grade’s inaugural Premiership side. Daryl is far right in the back row, Geoff far left in the same row, and Ian “Doug” 6th from left in the second row.
Since February, your Grand Final Committee has been hard at work bringing together the biggest event on the football calendar – the 2025 HFL Grand Final on Saturday 20 September.
Now, as we reach the final stages of planning, we need your help to make the day a success. We’re calling for volunteers to assist on Grand Final day. There’s every chance we’ll see Lofty teams on the field, so rosters have been designed around when teams are likely to play.
That said, please don’t feel locked into specific times – encourage players, parents and supporters to sign up wherever it best fits.
Free entry to the Grand Final (the HFL manages the gate on the day).
A front-row role on one of the most exciting days of the season.
The satisfaction of supporting a huge fundraising opportunity – proceeds will help us bridge the gap needed to upgrade our oval lights to LED by season 2026.
We’ve got an incredible day planned, including half-time and post-game entertainment, so it promises to be a memorable celebration of football and community.
Please click on the roster link above and add your name, and share the link with your networks to help us fill the time slots. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.
We are seeking between 28 and 36 people across key timeslots! With over 500 players in the club, it should be easy to fill those spots fast!
Let’s make this Grand Final not only a great day on the field, but a shining moment for the Mount Lofty community.
