Very Sad News - RIP Tiger

One of the true Demon Greats.

He is my earliest Demon Coach memory from the 70's.

Frank Davis was his skipper I think during his coaching reign?

Also fondly remember his energy & passion when president, he wasn't a bad judge either,

remember him speaking very highly of a young 17 year old unknown kid named David Neitz.

Called him very early at a jumper presentation as a future Melbourne superstar.

A truly Great, Great Demon person.

Condolences to his family

Frank Davis was indeed the captain when Ian Coached. The First Melbourne side i knew. Like Yourself.

To the Ridley family my sincerest condolences go out to you. It seems like only yesterday when I was a kid and I started my first scrapbook about the Melbourne Football Club with a picture of Tiger wearing #24 and roving at the feet of Big Bob. Sadly, both of them are gone and even more sadly they won't be around when the club they loved returns to the greatness that they were a part of so many years ago.

RIP

Thank you Tiger for the great service you gave the club over many decades. A true legend of the Melbourne Football Club.

I have a childhood memory of sitting on my Mum's knee in the offices of Bill Patterson Cheney in Ringwood while Dad and Mr Ridley discussed buying a brand spanking new Holden. I know Dad was excited about buying a new car, but I think he was even more chuffed to be dealing with a man he both admired and respected. While I was only young, and therefore didn't really understand what all the fuss was about, it was clear Tiger knew I was a young Demon and went out of his way to make me feel special. It is quite likely that it was he who sowed the seed in my mind that one day I would pull on the red and blue jumper and run out on to the MCG. Alas it was not to be - but the dream sustained me for at least twenty years.

My condolences to the Ridley Family,

R.I.P

Tiger

To the Ridley family my sincerest condolences go out to you. It seems like only yesterday when I was a kid and I started my first scrapbook about the Melbourne Football Club with a picture of Tiger wearing #24 and roving at the feet of Big Bob. Sadly, both of them are gone and even more sadly they won't be around when the club they loved returns to the greatness that they were a part of so many years ago.

RIP

My sentiments exactly WJ. He was so gutsy and skilled and so small in stature. We gave him the affectionate nickname of 'tiddles' which was a cross between Ridley and Tiger. I too can see him grabbing the crumbs in the goalsquare and cleverly slamming through yet another goal. Most times it was Big Bob Johson providing the crumbs. What a pair to have in our team's forward line. My deepest sympathy to Ian's loved ones. You were so lucky to have loved a real man like Ian Ridley. He will be well remembered by all of his adoring fans of the fabulous fifties. A wonderful Demon at rest.

Comrades.

I just wanted to pass on my best wishes to the Ridley family on the passing of Ian.

Tiger bled for the club on the field. While I was busy yelling at him in 1996, his love for the club was never in doubt.

when my uncle started to play for the club in the early 1970s, Tiger was the coach - one day my uncle accidentally knocked him out at practice and my god, for such a big fella (ruckman) he was terrified of him!!!! He took off on the spot and stayed away for a few days.

Rest in peace Tiger.

Biffinator

PS - with his death there is one less Melbourne premiership player in the world. Will that number ever be topped up?

There's a service for Tiger at the MCG on Saturday according to today's Age (no time given).

I reckon he might be having a bit of a chuckle up in heaven at the fact that the Age announcement comes as a footnote to an article about the Collingwood Football Club losing millions of $$$'s over their hotel investments.

There's a service for Tiger at the MCG on Saturday according to today's Age (no time given).

I reckon he might be having a bit of a chuckle up in heaven at the fact that the Age announcement comes as a footnote to an article about the Collingwood Football Club losing millions of $$$'s over their hotel investments.

Ian's funeral will start at 10:30am on Saturday. The service will be held in the Olympic Stand. Entry is via Gate 3.

Ian's funeral will start at 10:30am on Saturday. The service will be held in the Olympic Stand. Entry is via Gate 3.

Will the Rev. Ken Melville, a team mate of Tiger, be coming over from Perth to do the service? Does anybody know? I know Ken did the service for Norm Smith.

Will the Rev. Ken Melville, a team mate of Tiger, be coming over from Perth to do the service? Does anybody know? I know Ken did the service for Norm Smith.

The MC for Ian's funeral service was former Channel 9 commentator, Tony Charlton, who performed the role in a most professional manner.

Many hundreds of mourners attended the service and listened to tributes from former greats such as Hassa Mann, Barry Bourke, Brian Dixon, Paul Callery and Jim Stynes. Cameron Schwab also spoke exceptionally well.

It was indeed a fitting farewell to a wonderful Melbourne man.

Tiger received a fitting send off yesterday at a place where he left so many memories and where he served the club for so many years - the MCG.

There were several hundred mourners at the ceremony in the Olympic Room so capably led by friend and Melbourne supporter Tony Charlton who was indeed, a true master of ceremonies for a true master of Melbourne. Many speakers including former team mates who shared premierships with Tiger, those who played under him and worked with him at the club and in his day to day work in car sales paid tribute to the man who was red and blue through and through.

Rest in peace, Ian "Tiger" Ridley and thanks for your life's work for the Melbourne Football Club.