RIP Robbie Flower - Sad Passing of a True Champion

[Sigil 1,001]

I was too young to remember him as a player for the MFC. The many threads and comments about his greatness on this forum are a testament to this man.

Vale Robert Flower

[DemonOX 8,801]

He was only 59 that's just way to young.

U r a champion.

[Spirit of 26 261]

Played against and beat some of the best opponents in the game.

Dead set champion. Best I've ever seen.

[Guest]

I am gobsmacked. All the way from Japan, I can't believe what I am reading...
How many more kicks to the guts can we all take? Let alone Robbie's family. Imagine how they must feel.

[Spirit of '87 333]

Just reported it on Skynews Sport, with both James Bracey and Jay Clark referring to him as "Robbie FOWLer".

[the grint 71]

"It is most satisfying to be a one club player." Speaks VOLUMES. Not only the AFL but the world need more people of Robbies ilk. Sad, sad day.

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

For what it's worth, i'm sure Robbie is more than proud we have this guy well and truly giving his number the honour it deserves:

[Grapeviney 9,801]

Very nice piece here by Mike Sheahan, who says Flower was his all-time favourite player.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/you-were-a-great-human-being-tulip/story-fni0fiyv-1227078327629

[champagne football 27]

Just heard on the radio that Robbie had passed away. Condolences to his family. RIP and thanks for the memories and for being a great servant to the the club.

[Hardnut 327]

Another memory - wing/flank MCG - Robbie facing off with David Rhys-Jones - left/right to and fro several times, but Robbie got round him!

[Demon SeaMan 108]

What the flying, very sad, cant say there isnt a little tear poking through these eyes that have seen a bit (as many have here im sure) My brother and I idoliZed this guy like you wouldn't believe. His nos on our backs & all (duffle coats, jumpers, posters on our bedroom walls you name it) Our mum used to take us to sportsco in forest hill and could you imagine, mum would be talking to this guy like he was your average salesman and asking us what size shoes we wore. As you do when brothers shopped together he'd bring out about 20 boxes with [censored] everywhere on his shop floor (as patient as he always was with us), we would just look at him , bottom lips chattering , going "yeah mum, we know who he is......" and then see our hero taking the field the following Saturday. Great memories.

I'd like to put forward ol 55 Supporters club putting together a bbq this summer at the Jim stynes statue to pay respects to all our fallen in the last few yrs. It hasn't been a great few yrs Bailey, Wight,Stynes now Robbie

[censored] I love the MFC I just wish it would love us back and show respect

[The Song Formerly Known As 6,479]

Very nice piece here by Mike Sheahan, who says Flower was his favourite all-time player.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/you-were-a-great-human-being-tulip/story-fni0fiyv-1227078327629

wow. he wrote that fast! straight from the heart to the print.

[norwood_demon 196]

Firstly & most importantly, my condolences to Robbie's family & the MFC.

I am just devastated by this news. Robbie Flower was 2 years old than me; Melbourne High & my school had annual sports days; I had the privilege of watching a young Robbie Flower & sharing a field with him once. My young adulthood was then spent following Melbourne through some very bleak times. Following Melbourne in the 70s-80s really meant you followed Robbie Flower. There was nothing-else! The youngsters on this site must look at some old video clips. Through my tears, I cannot do justice to accurately describing Robbie's grace on the football field, which was (and remains in my opinion) unparalleled. That running nonchalant left-handed bounce. I will focus on one of his many accolades: vice-captain (VC) of the MFC Team of the Century. I will say that again. A player with 88 wins-184 losses (8th most AFL/VFL losses all time;one of the worst win-loss percentages at 32%) was selected above multiple-premiership players from the Golden Era to be VC our Team of the Century. We have just lost our Vice Captain!

One then turns to the subject of loyalty. More tears! Robbie had his chances to be a "free agent" But he stayed.He didn't leave for money or premierships. And we loved him all the more.

[BarnDee 287]

im absolutely gutted to hear this on tv , I cant even think its true , WTF ? why seen him play so many games at the G and last round at footscray in 87 and I nearly had a hearta , this is so sad , sean , jimma now Robert flower why , why why , R.I.P and condolences to all tears here , too old to play , to young to die now just want to say goodbye , and thankyou mr flower

[hells bells 2,023]

Jim's death was sad but I think we were ready for it when it happened. This one really hurts.

[Dee Dee Ramone 89]

The Great Man is the reason I first supported MFC. I feel a great sense of loss personally even though I never met Robbie. I grew up in country NSW and only saw him play live a few times which included 1987 finals.......a most exciting time to be a Demon fan and a wonderful experience for a country kid to watch #2 grace the hallowed MCG turf. My other favourite of all time was Jimmy, and it is hard not to feel ripped off with them passing so young but I love that both these heroes shared my passion and loyalty for MFC. I have a 9 year old son whose heroes thus far are Jurrah and Frawley. I may have lost my heroes but their hearts forever beat true. RIP Robbie.

[Machsy 2,858]

You talk about being "blindsided"... I'm distraught.

[Norm Smith's Curse 2,602]

Still in shock.

Cant believe it really.

I am also to young to remember him playing but I have watched footage. he and Stynes were really the two superstars of the dees in recent times.

[QueensBirthday 186]

Robbie was a true champion. Amazing leader on the field, amazing person off it as well. You wouldn't meet a more congenial guy in the flesh. His brilliance with the ball in hand was only matched by his humility.

Sadly missed by all. The most sincere condolences to the Flower family and friends.

[mdemon 266]

Managed to rise above and conquer so many obstacles (poorly performing team, unsuitable physique, etc.,) to go on and carve out a career that eclipses all others at the MFC over the past 40 odd years.

Gave Demon supporters a reason (often the only reason) to brave a cold & wet Saturday afternoon in the middle of winter.

Alf Brown in his pre-game analysis in Friday night's Herald would invariably proclaim that Robbie would win his wing in the following days game (and would be proven correct).

The late season surge in 1987 that carried us into the finals and all the way to the gutting Preliminary Final at VFL Park was a truly fitting finale to an exemplary career.

Thank you, Robbie, for all the wonderful memories - gone, but will never be forgotten.

RIP.

[Dappa Dan 2,188]

Guys like this RF, and Jim... taken way too soon, are why I hate the AFL for being the mess it is today. These guys should have been able to smile, leaning up against the wall in the rooms after a winning GF. So sad.

[Goodvibes 3,596]

RIP Robbie you absolute legend!

Thanks for posting that amazing picture.

I'm not much of a facebooker and rarely update a status but couldn't help myself tonight. I accompanied that fantastic image with the following words:

"People often wonder how anyone can follow a team like Melbourne. This man was often the sole reason for so many Dees supporters my age to hang in there. It may well just be a game and he may well have just been a football player but when I reflect on my childhood it's often through the prism of football. I hope my kids can find an idol, sporting or otherwise, who possesses the class, grace and humility of Robert Flower. RIP Robbie."

Jim's passing moved me but I'm surprised by how deeply tonight's news has affected me. It's a massive loss.

[Left Field 313]

What a wonderful, humble champion Robbie was.

Never wearied by playing in losing sides and never stopped being a brilliant team member.

Never took a short cut to easy success.

Humility and a champion.

Edited October 2, 2014 by Left Field

[Jaded No More 68,974]

Kind of ironic that just as two players prove how loyalty in football is dead and do a dirty on us, that the player who most personified loyalty and playing for the jumper passes away.

Robbie Flower will always be remembered for the champion he was on and off the field, premierships or not. The same can't be said for those players chasing the dollar or quick success.

He would have been proud to have Jonesy wearing his number!

[markc 975]

RIP

meet him at Ken Morgan Toyota one day ( many years ago) , was happy to have a chat

was my idol growing up , gave us so much joy