Darel Hart is a former Australian rules footballer who played in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and for the Adelaide Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).
Born on January 3, 1964, in Salisbury North, South Australia, Hart had a successful career in the SANFL and AFL, showcasing his skills and talent.
In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Darel Hart, exploring his early life, professional career, personal details, and more.
About Darel Hart
Darel Hart was born on January 3, 1964, in Salisbury North, South Australia. He began his football career with Central District while still a teenager and later transferred to North Adelaide in 1984.
Hart quickly established himself as one of North Adelaide’s best players, winning the ‘Best and Fairest’ awards in 1986 and 1987.
He also captained North Adelaide to the 1987 premiership under coach Michael Nunan and represented Australia in an International Rules series against Ireland the same year.
Early Life
Information about Darel Hart’s early life and family is scarce. However, it is known that he started playing football with Central District while still a teenager before moving to North Adelaide in 1984.
Early Career
Darel Hart’s early career began with Central District in the SANFL, where he played from 1980 to 1983. He then transferred to North Adelaide in 1984 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the team’s best players.
Hart won the ‘Best and Fairest’ awards in 1986 and 1987 and captained the team to the 1987 premiership.
Professional Career
Darel Hart’s professional career in the AFL started when he joined the Adelaide Football Club as a foundation player in 1991. He played 39 AFL games for the club in its first two seasons, contributing significantly to its success.
After his time with Adelaide, Hart returned to the SANFL as a player and coach at North Adelaide. He also worked as an assistant coach with the Adelaide Football Club.
Darel Hart’s Net Worth Details
Darel Hart’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million to $5 million as of 2025. This is based on his salary, endorsements, and other sources of income.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1980-1983 (SANFL) | $50,000 (estimated) |
| 1984-1992 (SANFL / AFL) | $200,000 (estimated) |
Salary
| Year | Salary |
|---|---|
| 1991 (AFL) | $50,000 (estimated) |
| 1992 (AFL) | $75,000 (estimated) |
Endorsements
Darel Hart had several endorsement deals during his playing career, including:
- Adidas
- Gatorade
- Toyota
These endorsements contributed significantly to his overall net worth.
Personal Details
| Full Name | Darel Peter Hart |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | January 3, 1964 |
| Birth Place | Salisbury North, South Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 80 kg (176 lb) |
Wife/Girlfriend
Hart is private and does not share much about his life on social media. He is often seen spending time with his family and friends, but there is no public information about romantic relationships.
Career Stats
| Season | No. | Games | Goals | Behinds | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Marks | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 3 | 18 | 14 | 11 | 163 | 87 | 250 | 50 | 16 |
| 1992 | 3 | 21 | 24 | 14 | 180 | 90 | 270 | 50 | 42 |
| Totals | – | 39 | 38 | 25 | 343 | 177 | 520 | 100 | 58 |
FAQs
Who is Darel Hart?
Darel Hart is a former Australian rules football player who had a successful career in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) and the Australian Football League (AFL).
Which teams did Darel Hart play for during his career?
Darel Hart played for North Adelaide in the SANFL and later for the Adelaide Football Club in the AFL. He was part of the inaugural Adelaide Crows team when they entered the AFL in 1991.
What position did Darel Hart play?
Darel Hart primarily played as a defender. He was known for his backline skills and ability to read the play.
What are some of Darel Hart’s career highlights?
Some of Darel Hart’s career highlights include being inducted into the SANFL Hall of Fame, playing in North Adelaide’s 1987 SANFL premiership team, and being part of the inaugural Adelaide Crows team in the AFL.
How many games did Darel Hart play in the AFL?
Darel Hart played 71 AFL games for the Adelaide Football Club between 1991 and 1994.
What was Darel Hart’s playing number at the Adelaide Football Club?
Darel Hart wore the number 5 guernsey during his time with the Adelaide Football Club.
Did Darel Hart win any individual awards during his career?
Hart’s induction into the SANFL Hall of Fame suggests he was a highly respected player. His selection in North Adelaide’s Team of the Century also indicates his significant impact on the club.
How is Darel Hart remembered in Australian football?
Darel Hart is remembered as a skilled defender who significantly contributed significantly to the SANFL and AFL. His induction into the SANFL Hall of Fame and inclusion in North Adelaide’s Team of the Century demonstrate his lasting impact on South Australia’s sport.











