In an umpiring career spanning two decades Don Simmons contributed to multiple competitions in two states.
Born Donald George Simmons in Adelaide on 9 September 1936, he grew up there and played football in the South Australian Amateur competition.
Joining the South Australian National Football League as a field umpire in 1957 he progressed through the ranks and made his senior SANFL debut in Round 17 1960, Sturt versus Port Adelaide at the then Kensington Oval. That year he was appointed to the Under-17 Grand Final, Glenelg vs. North Adelaide. He moved to Woomera in 1966 and for two seasons umpired with the Woomera Football League before moving on to Victoria.
His senior experience saw him by-pass the VFL Reserve Grade and be immediately placed on the VFL senior list at the start of 1968.
For 10 seasons he was on the VCFL circuit and cumulated 142 VCFL matches which included 3 VCFL finals. Don qualified for life membership in 1977 and was presented with the award following his retirement tat the end of that season.
Don Simmons passed away suddenly on 26 February 2023, aged 86.