Demons best rover ever

[Maldonboy38 6,406]

How did she rate me Maldonboy?

My mother would say "anyone who asks others to rate him either isn't as good as he thinks he is, or is an absolute w**ker"!

No, honestly, she reckons Bobbie McKenzie was referred to as "a bit of a magician" by Ron Barassi. He was a great goal kicker in an era when individual goal kickers didn't shine at the Dees, Norm Smith 's mantra was teamwork.

[Bobby McKenzie 2,387]

Actually I thought he held the world pro 400 record, but that's hearsay from my dad in the 50's

I think you are right about the 400metres. That is classed as a sprint these days.

[Bobby McKenzie 2,387]

My mother would say "anyone who asks others to rate him either isn't as good as he thinks he is, or is an absolute w**ker"!

No, honestly, she reckons Bobbie McKenzie was referred to as "a bit of a magician" by Ron Barassi. He was a great goal kicker in an era when individual goal kickers didn't shine at the Dees, Norm Smith 's mantra was teamwork.

Thanks Maldonboy38. The late BMcK was actually a very humble guy who always put himself down. He was one of my favourites in the Golden fifties. Beautiful kick for goal whether on the run or set shot. 250 goals in 120 games is pretty good for a half forward flanker. Very unselfish too with great stab kick passing. Now most of the forum wouldn't know about my last sentence would they Old dee and others?

[Deeoldfart 8,065]

Yes, that's right. You beat me to it Smithy. There was no faster footballer than Bluey. He was the Australian Pro sprint champion. Ralph Lane also was quick and an amateur sprint star.

I bet Des Healey wishes he wasn't quite so quick.

[Maldonboy38 6,406]

I was playing footy in the country in the 70's and some of the players were still using drop kicks and stab passes. One bloke almost made it to the VFL and his stab passing could cave your chest in. It used to hurt like hell on those cold winter nights at training. Ankle high boots, woollen jumpers, collars, plastic numbers on the back, and endless circle work at training. I reckon I would have liked to see the real Bobbie McKenzie play.

[old dee 23,872]

Only average? Ask Ron Barassi what he thought of me. He called me a 'bloody magician'. The late Bob Davis and John Coleman rated me highly also. Anyway. Old Dee, I asked for Maldonboy's Mum's rating not yours.

Good on you mate.

I suggest Mb's mum probably knows way more about it than me.

But you lead with your chin I could not help myself.

[Bobby McKenzie 2,387]

I was playing footy in the country in the 70's and some of the players were still using drop kicks and stab passes. One bloke almost made it to the VFL and his stab passing could cave your chest in. It used to hurt like hell on those cold winter nights at training. Ankle high boots, woollen jumpers, collars, plastic numbers on the back, and endless circle work at training. I reckon I would have liked to see the real Bobbie McKenzie play.

Oh those not so good old days! And the footballs! On wet days they became waterlogged and it was like trying to kick a medicine ball and they were like a cake of soap to try and mark. The chest mark was the only reasonably safe way. Thanks for the memories mate.

[Dee Fan 3,247]

Ken Emselle taught me maths. I always thought he was a better rover than maths teacher - but that's just me deflecting my own weaknesses.

Ken was a prefect at Northcote High when I went to school there.

[Dee Fan 3,247]

Thanks Maldonboy38. The late BMcK was actually a very humble guy who always put himself down. He was one of my favourites in the Golden fifties. Beautiful kick for goal whether on the run or set shot. 250 goals in 120 games is pretty good for a half forward flanker. Very unselfish too with great stab kick passing. Now most of the forum wouldn't know about my last sentence would they Old dee and others?

If I recall it was Thorold Merrett who introduced the stab pass; Thorold had a sports store in high street Northcote and I bought my first football from him.

Years later I did business with him when he had Merrett Hassett sports stores.

[daisycutter 29,743]

If I recall it was Thorold Merrett who introduced the stab pass; Thorold had a sports store in high street Northcote and I bought my first football from him.

Years later I did business with him when he had Merrett Hassett sports stores.

He was a wonderful stab kicker robbie.......but the daisycutter had much older origins....

"THE STAB KICK."

A FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT.

The ARGUS Monday 27 June 1910

Since the inauguration of the Australian game of football in 1858 by Messrs. H. C.A. Harrison, W. Hammersley, J. B. Thomp- son, and T. W. Wills, there have been somany changes that there is little original in it to day. The first code of rules was drawn up in 1866, but there have been many changes since then. It is, however, in"method" that there has been the greatest development, and though it may seem strange to speak thus of "football," it ispossible for a man to be a good player with- out kicking the ball at all. Handball hasbeen developed to such an extent that theball frequently travels between half a dozen players without reaching the foot at all.

The prettiest and most effective innova-tion of recent years is what is known as"the stab kick" -a drop-kick made with an underneath stabbing motion of the foot,which gives the ball a low trajectory, and isreally the outcome of the abolition of the little mark. The Essendon teams of 1891- 1901, probably the best combination which ever took the field, first brought what isknown as system into their play, though the Carlton team, premiers 1887, first developed the quick passing which is now a feature of the game. In 1891 the late J. R.Mouritz invented a quick passing kick, with which he could pass the ball, swiftand low, to a comrade at from 10 to 15yards. It was an exhibition of the principle of the little mark, and was very effective.

1. A Drop kick Action.

It was not until comparatively recent yearshowever, that the "stab kick" as known today was introduced by the Collingwoodteam, R. Condon, E. Rowell, and C. Pan- nam developing and practising it to such an extent that the Collingwood system cameto be a thing to imitate. The Collingwoodteam was in Tasmania in 1902, and in Laun-ceston they gave an exhibition in whichthe three players named picked up the sys-

tem of the "slab kick," and since then,hundreds of players have developed it.

2. The Stab Kick Action.

The "stab kick" is really a drop-kick, in

which the foot strikes the under side of theball, at the nearest possible point to theground, and practically at the instant of contact. In fact the ground, ball, and footmeet at the same time. The foot is kept perfectly rigid, and meets the ball with moreof a stab than a kick. The result is almostthe same as when a billiard ball is struck

low. There is an underneath drag on it,which prevents it rising but sends it directto the man for whom it is intended, at sucha pace that it is not easy for anyone else to intercept its flight.

The action in making the stab kick is en- tirely different from that of the ordinarydrop-kick, as will be seen in the illustra-

3. The Next Stride.

tions, in which D. Smith, the well knownEssendon player, is shown kicking. The action in each case is so quick that the ball has gone out of the range of the camera.

No. 1 shows an ordinary drop-kick, in which Smith kicked the ball over 50 yards. His right leg may be seen extended just asthe ball has left his foot. So great is the force expended that the right leg is locked at the knee, and every bit of muscular tissue is exercised. The ball was kicked when the foot was close to the ground, but the

Fix this text

foot has followed through. No. 2 and No. 3 show that the action in marking the "stab kick is quite different. The player kick-

ing is usually running, and is anxious to pass the ball to a comrade and then get into position for further play. No. 2 shows the right foot just coming to the ground afterhaving stabbed the ball, and No. 3 showsthe next stride, where, the ball havinglodged safely in a comrade's arms, Smith is pulling up to await developments.

[Bitter but optimistic 22,249]

Great post DC. I can't copy or quote but that comment about handball is a classic. I guess supporters have been calling out "kick the bloody thing" even longer than OD can remember.

[robbiefrom13 893]

Undisputed best rover in the League at one time was Bobby Skilton, and when Melbourne played South there was a real problem about who to play on Skilton. It was the only time I ever saw Skilton, and we took Hassa Mann from the centre to try and curb the great Skilton. As I remember it, Mann kicked 7 goals.

Irrelevant post, I guess - and maybe my memory is not so good - but if I do have it right, so much for great rovers!

[Bitter but optimistic 22,249]

I have to say I don't remember Hassa ever kicking 7 goals. No doubt someone will look it up.

[Dee Fan 3,247]

Undisputed best rover in the League at one time was Bobby Skilton, and when Melbourne played South there was a real problem about who to play on Skilton. It was the only time I ever saw Skilton, and we took Hassa Mann from the centre to try and curb the great Skilton. As I remember it, Mann kicked 7 goals.

Irrelevant post, I guess - and maybe my memory is not so good - but if I do have it right, so much for great rovers!

Bobby was in Church Street Brighton having a coffee with a few friends the other day; he was probably the most courageous player I ever saw, what a champion.

[Dee Fan 3,247]

I have to say I don't remember Hassa ever kicking 7 goals. No doubt someone will look it up.

Most important goal he ever kicked was at Glenferrie oval against Hawthorn towards the end of the 1964 season.

[Bitter but optimistic 22,249]

Yes, I remember that. A season that hung on "special" goals, if ever there was one.

[Demon_spurs 1,872]

I would have thought that "the Wizard" might be considered a true rover, albeit mainly on the forward line. but his anticipation at the drop of the ball was as good as any.

[CHAMP 347]

I think you are right about the 400metres. That is classed as a sprint these days.

"Bluey" actually held the Pro 400 YARDS Record. IIRC Miller's Guide had the time at 43.8. It was an unpopular and unusual distance.

If I recall it was Thorold Merrett who introduced the stab pass; Thorold had a sports store in high street Northcote and I bought my first football from him.

Years later I did business with him when he had Merrett Hassett sports stores.

The Stab Kick, if not actually invented by, was certainly popularised by Collingwood's Dickie Condon.

It was enabled by T.W.Sherrin making a ball less like a rugby ball and much like the one we have today.

[Dee Fan 3,247]

He was a wonderful stab kicker robbie.......but the daisycutter had much older origins....

Thanks for the info DC.

[Bobby McKenzie 2,387]

He was a wonderful stab kicker robbie.......but the daisycutter had much older origins....

Great researching 'daisy cutter'. When I was playing we often called the stab kick a 'daisy cutter' so maybe that's how you named yourself being very proficient at the stab kick? Am I right?

[daisycutter 29,743]

Great researching 'daisy cutter'. When I was playing we often called the stab kick a 'daisy cutter' so maybe that's how you named yourself being very proficient at the stab kick? Am I right?

more wanted to be than was bobby........did pull off the odd rib tickler though

a very difficult kick to perfect and best left to the specialists lest the result would be very hit'n'miss

there are a few nowadays but not many who can emulate a stab kick with a drop punt.....trapper was one on his day

Edited March 6, 2014 by daisycutter

[Harrisonrules 273]

Most important goal he ever kicked was at Glenferrie oval against Hawthorn towards the end of the 1964 season.

I recall the game fondly. I was taken by a hawk friend into the members stand at the city end, Full of skwarking hawkers and bugler. It was a wet and muddy day. It began with the news that tassie Johnson wasn't playing which sent them delirious because he had john pecks measure. Bernie massie was always badly out pointed by him. They lead all day until that fluke goal by Hassa over his shoulder from the boundary line. It must have been seconds left on the clock. Of course there was no way I could cheer if I wanted to get out alive as I had successfully concealed my allegiance all day.i have a vague memory it was last game of year and meant we got in the four, but that may be wrong.

[robbiefrom13 893]

well I looked it up myself, Bbo. Round 9, 1967.

Edited March 6, 2014 by robbiefrom13

[Mono 455]

I recall the game fondly. I was taken by a hawk friend into the members stand at the city end, Full of skwarking hawkers and bugler. It was a wet and muddy day. It began with the news that tassie Johnson wasn't playing which sent them delirious because he had john pecks measure. Bernie massie was always badly out pointed by him. They lead all day until that fluke goal by Hassa over his shoulder from the boundary line. It must have been seconds left on the clock. Of course there was no way I could cheer if I wanted to get out alive as I had successfully concealed my allegiance all day.i have a vague memory it was last game of year and meant we got in the four, but that may be wrong.

Fond memories for me as well.

If Mann had not kicked that goal, we would not have made the 4. The ladder was very tight that year..

So fluke goal -> make the 4 -> win flag (with a flukish goal kicked by back pocket).

[chook fowler 19,551]

Reminiscing about rovers brought Sid Caitlin, Henry Ritterman and Withers to mind. No where near the best but it was good to remember their names.