RIP Robbie Flower - Sad Passing of a True Champion

[Grapeviney 9,722]

I just typed this out for the Melbourne website. The "Robbie Flower Wing" first called for 27 years ago.

In 1987 this "Ode to Robbie Flower" by Greg Shalless appeared in the Lilydale Express. I've kept it forever.

Stoked that this poem is still in circulation. Virtually knew it by heart as a teenager.

Thanks for posting - I spent about an hour looking for it last night to no avail.

[DEE fence 5,016]

I really wish I could go to the funeral - I want to see a really big guard of honour.

[Grapeviney 9,722]

I stayed up late last night and read Robbie ( written by Robbie with Ron Reed) which holds place of honour in my bookcase.

I'm going to do the same over the weekend.

The Ron Reed introduction is truly a fantastic piece of sports writing - captures the drama of '87 superbly and the enormous emotional dividend which ultimately repaid Robbie's loyalty to the red + blue.

[Grimes Times 1,278]

Finey on SEN last night floated the idea of the MCG/MCC should name the members wing the "Robert Flower Wing".

Would be a great idea and a fitting tribute.

[Sir Why You Little 37,044]

Finey on SEN last night floated the idea of the MCG/MCC should name the members wing the "Robert Flower Wing".

Would be a great idea and a fitting tribute.

This must happen. Members wing was where Robbie weaved most of his magic

[Gorgoroth 12,955]

Those loyal become immortal.

The club should name him a immortal of the club.

[Robbie57 2,020]

Those loyal become immortal.

The club should name him a immortal of the club.

He is in eyes of every true Dee.

[Rob Mac...... 638]

A faithful clubman, loved by all and a poet of the MCG turf.

[ManDee 7,153]

For Nasher and those who never got to see him play in person :

Thanks Beeb, tears and great memories.

Edited October 3, 2014 by ManDee

[nutbean 8,838]

The tributes and outpouring of love for him is both unbelievable but (fortunately) not at all surprising.

[jane02 3,748]

On the MFC web page (Dee TV) there are tributes from Steven Smith, Todd Viney, David Neitz and Russell Robertson. I have a huge lump in my throat after watching these interviews.

The flags are also flying half mast over the Members Stand at the MCG.

[nutbean 8,838]

Todd Viney struggled to hold it together.

I found it difficult when in the last clip they were running off the ground and Brett Lovett was hugging him. Sean Wight was patting his shoulder.

We have lost way too many good people recently.

[The Chazz 4,077]

Finey on SEN last night floated the idea of the MCG/MCC should name the members wing the "Robert Flower Wing".

Would be a great idea and a fitting tribute.

I'm in Qld so didn't hear that (ie didn't pinch the idea!).

Surely we just make this happen. Who do we do to get this approved? I'm sure BBO will take one for the team in this instance.

[Dr John Dee 1,057]

For Nasher and those who never got to see him play in person :

Thanks Bub.

And for those of us who did it's a wonderful summary of how he allowed us to take the extraordinary for granted.

We won't see his like again.

Vale Robbie.

[Demonised 1,354]

Best player I ever saw, and an inspiration to weedy players everywhere.

No one warned me, when I was young, how hard it was going to be when my heroes died.

[Sir Why You Little 37,044]

Robbie on Open Mike May 2011

[DeeVoted 583]

Devastated to hear the passing of the player who in all of my time watching football, nobody but nobody could ever hope to be the complete footballer Flower was.

Keith Greig probably being the closest.

I have seen champion forwards that rarely miss shots at goal.

Ruckman that could control the center bounces and around the ground.

Players that had speed to burn.

Players that could kick a goal out of nowhere.

But our No2 had them all covered. never have I seen someone with such poise and balance with a football in his hands

The many games I seen him play, never did I hear anyone bag Flower, there were times diehard opposition supporters would applaud his wizardry. At worst somewhere from anear I would hear "Bloody Flower!" Who the F.. is on him?"

A champion player, a champion person. Much admired, may our favorite son RIP.

Condolences to his family and close friends.

Edited October 3, 2014 by DeeVoted

[Jumping Jack Clennett 1,799]

I remember Robbie Flower's sports shop in Forest Hill shopping centre. As a young fella, I was always totally amazed that Robbie was just there, in a shop, and anyone could just walk in and get served by him. It didn't seem right to me. I always felt like you should have to buy tickets to get in and have the privilege of buying something from him. I was so mesmerised I remember just walking back and forward outside his shop just taking in glimpses of the great man. My awe was so great I could never summon up the courage to go in. I remember my mother going in to his shop to get a copy of his book "Robbie" signed. I pleaded with her that you can't just go in and bother the great man with that. I was so embarrassed I couldn't go in with her. Robbie happily signed mum's book while I watched from a distance. I don't know exactly what he said during their brief exchange but I know mum left the shop touched by the greatness of a true gentleman.

I went from Albert Park to Forest Hill to buy my squash racket, just so that I could meet him! He was so pleasant to talk to...asked about my squash game etc,while I was in awe.

[Return to Glory 8,441]

Great Demonland banner. Love it.

[Red N Blue Society 165]

Love the Demonland Banner also & well done moderators..Total Respect to another MFC legend. Having just watched some more highlights...I can't believe how much skill Robbie had...evasive..pacy..took over heads & built like a Twig really...some of those highlights looked exactly like a modern footballer with all the trimmings...Gee Wiz Robbie...its a shame we couldn't have you alongside Chunk & Dom & Bernie...Imagine that...

I still have my no 2 Jnr Demons baby Jumper..VFL badged and all...you were my first Demons hero Robbie and will not be forgotten.

[dees189227 12,394]

He deserves his own statue outside the MCG.

Make it happen MFC and MCC.

no he deserves to have the wing named after him at the mcg.

but its nice to hear the tributes to him today and even opposition fans ringing up radio stations saying they never abused him because they had so much respect for him. or he was there favourite player outside there club.

Edited October 3, 2014 by dees189227

[Biffen 12,943]

no her deserves to have the wing named after him at the mcg.

He owned it.

[dees189227 12,394]

listening to the end of the run home someone had put together a beautiful poem but I missed who it was byy.

also does anyone feel a brilliant Martin Flanagan article coming?

[jabberwocky 2,301]

listening to the end of the run home someone had put together a beautiful poem but I missed who it was byy.

also does anyone feel a brilliant Martin Flanagan article coming?

Was driving home, could barely see the road

[Strapping Young Lad 227]

https://soundcloud.com/sen1116/ode-to-robbie-flower

Here is that poem... jeeez.

Greg Shalless recited this Ode to Robbie Flower at his testimonial dinner in 1988. He popped into The Run Home studios today to record the Ode for SEN listeners.

Edited October 3, 2014 by Strapping Young Lad