It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Hans Heystraten, aged 72, following a very short battle with cancer.

Born in Indonesia, Hans moved to Bairnsdale, Victoria, as a young boy. Throughout his football journey, he played and coached all around Australia. He was the true definition of a football journeyman. As the John Williamson song “I’ve Been Everywhere” suggests, it suited Hans perfectly.

Over an incredible football career, Hans made a lasting contribution to many clubs, serving as a player, coach and playing coach:

  • City South Football Club – NTFL (near Launceston, Tasmania)
  • Mayne Football Club – QAFL, Brisbane (1976–77), represented Queensland and was later inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame
  • Ainslie Football Club – ACTAFL, Canberra (1980–83) – 3 Premierships – 2 Runner Up Best and Fairest, 1983 Runner up in The Mulrooney Medal
  • St Mary’s Football Club – Darwin (1979–82), where he won the Best & Fairest and was named in the Team of the Year. He played there during the southern off-season.
  • Ariah Park-Mirrool Football Club – South West Football League (NSW), serving as playing coach and narrowly missing a premiership after losing the Grand Final by just one point
  • Tuggeranong Football Club – ACTAFL, Canberra, where as playing coach he led the club to its first senior premiership in 1986.
  • Myrtleford Football Club – Ovens & Murray Football League
  • Maroochydore Football Club – Queensland, as coach
  • Mount Isa Buffs – Coach in 2017

Hans also proudly represented Queensland, the ACT and New South Wales at representative level. His achievements included victories over Victoria and Victoria Country in 1980, representing the ACT against South Australia’s Under-23 state side, competing in the 1982 Brisbane Commonwealth Games demonstration match against Queensland, as well as playing in Escort Cup matches and numerous interstate contests.

Hans once told his family he had been part of 14 premierships throughout his football career. Just how many games he played and coached is probably known only to Hans himself.

More importantly than the statistics, Hans loved the game. Football gave him lifelong friendships, and he remained in touch with teammates and opponents from across the country. He treasured reunions whenever he could attend and earned the respect and admiration of everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Hans will be deeply missed, especially by his beloved wife Jan and his family, who loved him dearly and were incredibly proud of the man he was.

Rest in peace, Big Fella. ❤️

Our sincere condolences are extended to Jan and the entire Heystraten family.

Ainslie are playing Tuggeranong this week at Alan Ray Oval, Ainslie -Saturday 25th July. There will be a tribute to Hans – both clubs will wear black arm bands and there will be a minute’s silence before the Snr Men’s bounce at 2.25pm. We encourage any former team mates and friends from both clubs to join the current players on field for this tribute – please be at the game by no later than 2.05pm if you wish to join in this tribute.

Written and compiled by his great mate, Jack McCormick.