Vale Doug Ringholt

By Ken Casellas

On April 10, 1965, fresh-faced 22-year-old Doug Ringholt ran on to Claremont Oval to make his league debut for Claremont when he lined up on a half-back flank in the round one contest against East Fremantle.

And on April 10, 2025, he lost his battle with a debilitating illness and died in Victoria at the age of 82, leaving his many Tigers teammates and the current president, board members, club members, supporters and players mourning his passing.

Ringholt was recruited by Claremont after playing four VFL matches for Carlton, and he went on to make 114 league appearances for Claremont, retiring after the round 20 match against Perth at Claremont Oval on August 29, 1997. He frequently joked that the highlights of his career with the Tigers were the two goals he scored.

He was a tenacious, close-checking and determined defender who was noted for his pace and strong tackling. He continued his association with Claremont when he was the runner for league coach Verdun Howell in 1972-73-74.

After that he coached North Innaloo junior teams and also served as that club’s president. After 46 years in WA Ringholt and his wife Dot returned to live in Victoria.

Ringholt was a keen yachtsman who served as a crewman in many races on the Indian Ocean, and he was also involved in seven Sydney to Hobart races.