Jump to content

Demons mourn premiership hero Bobby McKenzie

Wilson7
in Melbourne Demons

Featured Replies

 

Don't believe the story, here I am! No, seriously, very sad news. Bobby was my childhood hero and one of most exciting players I have seen. His pace, elusiveness and goal kicking ability had to be seen to believed. Even the great Ron Barassi marvelled at Bobby's deeds. He was a bit of a larrikin but that added to his personality. A wonderful article is on the MFC website. Thanks Bobby, you were a real champion. Only wish most of the posters here could have seen you play. RIP mate.

  • Quote
    •  

    Don't believe the story, here I am! No, seriously, very sad news. Bobby was my childhood hero and one of most exciting players I have seen. His pace, elusiveness and goal kicking ability had to be seen to believed. Even the great Ron Barassi marvelled at Bobby's deeds. He was a bit of a larrikin but that added to his personality. A wonderful article is on the MFC website. Thanks Bobby, you were a real champion. Only wish most of the posters here could have seen you play. RIP mate.

    Had to let you go first Bobby.

    I never saw him play as he retired at the end of my first year as a supporter of the MFC and I never went to the footy while he was playing. But I knew him by reputation and from the radio broadcasts of the time as a clever forward whose career interestingly, spanned the end of the Checker Hughes era and the beginning of the Norm Smith era so he played together with the Red Fox in the '48 premiership and under him in '55. Like many Demon stars of the era he retired at far too young an age (26) and he could have played on till the end of the decade but it was not to be. Ironically, we picked up another sensational forward flanker at the beginning of 1957 in Geoff Tunbridge who was 25 on debut. Imagine the brilliance of those two on opposite flanks!

    Bobby McKenzie's reputation never diminished and I remember the excitement around the club when his son Robert McKenzie Junior made his debut for the club in 1969 under the father/son rule (just missing the end of the Norm Smith era but he would probably have played against him as coach of South Melbourne). Wore number 50 in his first game, changed to 10 and finished with #2. He showed a bit of promise but lasted only 42 games and, after he left the club, the number 2 went to another bloke who made his mark on the club in much the same vein as his father as a skillful winger/flanker.

    We mourn Bobby McKenzie, a link between the club's two great eras. Condolences to the family.

  • Quote

    Had to let you go first Bobby.

    I never saw him play as he retired at the end of my first year as a supporter of the MFC and I never went to the footy while he was playing. But I knew him by reputation and from the radio broadcasts of the time as a clever forward whose career interestingly, spanned the end of the Checker Hughes era and the beginning of the Norm Smith era so he played together with the Red Fox in the '48 premiership and under him in '55. Like many Demon stars of the era he retired at far too young an age (26) and he could have played on till the end of the decade but it was not to be. Ironically, we picked up another sensational forward flanker at the beginning of 1957 in Geoff Tunbridge who was 25 on debut. Imagine the brilliance of those two on opposite flanks!

    Bobby McKenzie's reputation never diminished and I remember the excitement around the club when his son Robert McKenzie Junior made his debut for the club in 1969 under the father/son rule (just missing the end of the Norm Smith era but he would probably have played against him as coach of South Melbourne). He showed a bit of promise but lasted only 42 games.

    We mourn Bobby McKenzie, a link between the club's two great eras. Condolences to the family.

    Tunbridge and Mckenzie on opposite flanks and both on their preferred side. (Tunbridge was a left footer). Mouth watering indeed.

  • Quote

    Way before my time, but that article is great - really paints a picture of one of the greats of the club at that time. RIP

  • Quote

    Way before my time, but that article is great - really paints a picture of one of the greats of the club at that time. RIP

    Way before my time, but that article is great - really paints a picture of one of the greats of the club at that time. RIP

    A great article on Bobby. A real down to earth, modest champion. Interesting that his full name was Robert Davis McKenzie when his main rival as an elite half forward flanker was none other than Geelong champion, Bob Davis.

  • Quote
    •  

    Archived

    This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

    Go to topic listing

    Featured Content

    • PREGAME: St. Kilda

      The Demons come face to face with St. Kilda for the second time this season for their return clash at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. Who comes in and who goes out?

        • Clap
        • Like
      • 84 replies
      Demonland

    • PODCAST: Carlton

      The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Tuesday, 22nd July @ 8:00pm. Join Binman & I as we dissect the Dees disappointing loss to Carlton at the MCG.
      Your questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show.
      Listen LIVE: https://demonland.com/

        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 19 replies
      Demonland

    • VOTES: Carlton

      Captain Max Gawn still has a massive lead in the Demonland Player of the Year Award from Christian Petracca, Jake Bowey, Kozzy Pickett & Clayton Oliver. Your votes please; 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 & 1.

        • Like
      • 21 replies
      Demonland

    • POSTGAME: Carlton

      A near full strength Demons were outplayed all night against a Blues outfit that was under the pump and missing at least 9 or 10 of the best players. Time for some hard decisions to be made across the board.

        • Thanks
        • Like
      • 290 replies
      Demonland

    • GAMEDAY: Carlton

      It's Game Day and Clarry's 200th game and for anyone who hates Carlton as much as I do this is our Grand Final. Go Dees.

        • Love
      • 669 replies
      Demonland

    • PREVIEW: Carlton

      Good evening, Demon fans and welcome back to the Demonland Podcast ... it’s time to discuss this week’s game against the Blues. Will the Demons celebrate Clayton Oliver’s 200th game with a victory? We have a number of callers waiting on line … Leopold Bloom: Carlton and Melbourne are both out of finals contention with six wins and eleven losses, and are undoubtedly the two most underwhelming and disappointing teams of 2025. Both had high expectations at the start of participating and advancing deep into the finals, but instead, they have consistently underperformed and disappointed themselves and their supporters throughout the year. However, I am inclined to give the Demons the benefit of the doubt, as they have made some progress in addressing their issues after a disastrous start. In contrast, the Blues are struggling across the board and do not appear to be making any notable improvements. They are regressing, and a significant loss is looming on Saturday night. Max Gawn in the ruck will be huge and the Demon midfield have a point to prove after lowering their colours in so many close calls.

      • 0 replies
      Demonland
    View All