The Pines Cottage’s “hero footballer”

Born on a dairy farm in Jervois, Daryl Hicks grew up as a typical country lad and went to Teachers’ College in Roseworthy to study teaching agricultural science.

While at College he played Australia Rules Football locally and even won the Mail Medal for the Gawler Districts League.

Then his football career really took off as he became the Sturt Club Champion and leading goal kicker in 1962, played in the Premiership teams for Sturt in 1966-69 and played 13 times in the SANFL State team.

Around this time Tricia came into Daryl’s life, or as he calls her, “the girl of my dreams”.

She had met Daryl briefly a few years before through a friend but was working on the door at a fundraising concert one night when Daryl was in the line waiting.

Tricia said she didn’t even know he was a “hero footballer” but it was just about love at first sight.

Only 100 days later they were married, the start of a high achieving and love-filled marriage lasting to this day.

Of course they had to fit the wedding in the school holidays, as Daryl was still teaching, and outside of the footy season - hence the rush to get it done.

Pursuing his passion in football, Daryl turned his experience and skills into a longterm career in coaching.

He was the National Football League Director of Coaching for a year and produced the first coaching manuals and videos for tutoring coaches at all levels.

As the Senior Coach at Central District Football Club, Daryl took them to a minor premiership for the first time in 1979.

He spent time as a Director with his brothers in Freesia Ice Cream, a Director of the Save the Murray Campaign and an owner of Pro Fitness gyms.

As if that wasn’t enough, both Daryl and Tricia were quite involved with school Boards and groups while their five children were schooling as well.

Faith has always been important in Daryl’s life, and became even more important when he quit his fitness business to become a Deacon in the Catholic church.

Tricia explained, “Daryl had a little mini gym out the back and Sister Christine Burke and the parish priests used to come and work out. I remember her saying that there's only one man in the theology group that she had and that they needed someone else, so she tapped Daryl on the shoulder.”

During his time as a Deacon Daryl wrote newsletters for the congregation and made strong connections with all kinds of people in the community, even holding heartfelt funerals for people he had met through his football life.

Tricia had an illustrious career in her own right, travelling to couture parades for hairstyles and running a busy salon until recently.

As an apprentice hairdresser in 1959 she won first prize in the first year apprentice South Australian State Competitions, and won first prize in the same competition for her second year.

She was a stylist in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, Canada, worked on the Strand in London and was the President of Intercoiffure Australia and Member of the Central Committee, Paris from 1988 to 1994.

She trained and mentored over 100 apprentices in her 66 year career and also went back to University for a Bachelor of Management in 2003 and a Diploma of Theology in 2004. 

“Love of my trade means I have never worked a day in my life,” she said.

Daryl had a stroke in 2019 which has led to a quieter lifestyle for both of them.

Daryl began attending Myrtle Cottage for respite, but switched to The Pines Cottage when it opened because the higher staffing ratio suits him better. 

“We both agreed it's important that Daryl gets away from me sometimes and it's important that I get away from him,” Tricia said.

While Daryl is spending time handballing with staff, exercising in the gym and participating in activities at The Pines Cottage, Tricia goes to lunch with friends or does tasks that require her full concentration.

The carers groups have also been beneficial for Tricia as she can connect with others in a similar situation.

If you think respite might be beneficial for you or your loved one, call 1800 852 772 to speak to our friendly team.