I've been following the Demons since I was about five years old and Ron Barassi stands out as our greatest and probably always will.

Whispering Jack,

It's gotta be remembered RDB played in the middle of Melbourne's greatest era. Whenever the club decides to make their own Hall of Fame, any number of players from that era will be inducted. Whereas Robbie played in one of our worst eras (for instance, winning our one and only game of the season against the Bulldogs off his own boot) and not many others from this era would be conisdered greats in the history annals. Of course Barass would have a lot of success given the players and staff around him, and that is why he is considered Melbourne's favorite son (and a successful coaching and media career only enhances his status). If Robbie had've had the cattle around him and had all those premierships, he no doubt would be considered our Number 1 (And he didnt defect to any successful clubs at the height of his powers).

Don't get me wrong, don't wanna understate Barass, but for me and most Robbie would be the one who brings back the fondest memories (no, I'm not old enough to have witnessed a premership).

I used to proudly wear the number 2 guernsey, and think it's great R. Flower is back as a mentor to the youngsters of today (I saw him standing around anonymously at a number of Melbourne games this year too).

DemonDave

Don't get me wrong, don't wanna understate Barass, but for me and most Robbie would be the one who brings back the fondest memories (no, I'm not old enough to have witnessed a premership).

I used to proudly wear the number 2 guernsey, and think it's great R. Flower is back as a mentor to the youngsters of today (I saw him standing around anonymously at a number of Melbourne games this year too).

DemonDave

To quote Jack Dyer, circa early '80's, on World of Sport, "Ive seen em come and go but the best footballer Ive seen, Week Week out, is Ron Barassi". He whacked the table of the panel with the back of his wrist, to emphasive his opinion. Others were talking Whitten(who was there) and Lethal.

RDB wasnt on the panel. I dont believe Dyer would mouth platitudes about such an important issue anyway.

Flower is not ever talked about in terms of best ever. But Ron didnt have the skill of Daicos and the poise of Hird.

But, from when I got my MCC membership in 1976, if I wasnt playing and I was in town, I would go see Robbie play. He made Rhyse-Jones look a fool and slow, so Rhyse clocked him on the wing, Rob got up and got on with it. Flower was so good he looked best when it was raining.

Ash I would love a video, if possible.

Ahh Robbie Flower.... The memories.

When I was a kid growing up in NSW in the late 70s early 80s we didn't get to see much Aussie Rules except for the Winners (God bless the ABC). Anyway I knew I was Victorian and I should be following a team so I got out the sports almanac and looked at all the teams and one night I saw Robbie Flower feature on the highlights real... I have followed Melbourne ever since.

I can't really add too much more to other people's descriptions of Robbie, too watch him play he was sublime and made me forget that I'd actually picked a very crappy time to barack for the Red and Blue.

OK, I'll whip up another Robbie Flower highlights video tape, but I don't have the machine that burns it onto DVD.

If anyone does has access to such a machine, let me know, and we'll work something out.

Comparing Robert Flower to a current day player is difficult.

Perhaps a much more consistent Travis Johnstone, but alot better mark, who kicked more goals, and was a super leader and captain might come close.

Ash

I can burn them to dvd if you need it done

my store is in Brighton if you want to drop me off one and then i can copy them and send them out

mark

I never saw Robbie Flower play, as im too young, however I am always hearing about how talented he was from my mum (who really doesnt follow football) of all people. Its good to see she isnt wrong

Good enough to have his number on my duffel coat.

Ash

I can burn them to dvd if you need it done

my store is in Brighton if you want to drop me off one and then i can copy them and send them out

mark

Ash and Markc,

If you can do that. I would happily pick up a DVD from Mark's shop in Brighton and would happily cover the cost in lucre or lager!

PM with any details.

Cheers

Burning CD's aside, I think I have made my thoughts on the Number 2 pretty clear. I am hoping that perhaps one day I may see another player in our colours who may come remotely close to his talents.

However, I doubt it.

Forget Hird & Voss. Nobody comes close!

Superstar!!!

mark, that sound like a plan. I PMed Ash with a complicated idea for a solution, but your suggestion is far better.

I'll be in for a copy, and will pay what's required to cover the cost.

It would also give me a chance to say g'day. I'll bring Chewy along for the ride. He loves the grass in Brighton.

Ahh Robbie Flower.... The memories.

...he was sublime and made me forget that I'd actually picked a very crappy time to barack for the Red and Blue.

Grazman, its either in your blood or its not

You need to look at the record books Tony. Brett Bailey will be disappointed you don't remember his efforts in 1988.

Er... we actually won the Night Premiership in both 1987 and 1989. The one that they show with reasonable regularity on Foxtel is the Melbourne v Essendon night grand final of 1987. Robbie missed out on that one through injury and I think it might have been Danny Hughes who captained the side that night.

ok

Ash is going to drop the video in to me this weekend

anyone whos wants a dvd copy please PM or reply

please give me sometime to get them done as its Christmas and this is my busy time

I will do my best to get them done ASAP

so far Rhino Richards and finks

mark

Cheers Mark.

Is payment in loot or lager though? :D

Er... we actually won the Night Premiership in both 1987 and 1989.

Thanks Jack, I knew we won 2 but thought the second one was in 1988.

I remember Brett Bailey standing under the ball while Gary Ablett came charging in from behind. It reminds me of the brave Tony Lockett as he nearly killed Shaun Smith many years later.

I've watched a bit from that era in the last few weeks. The Melbourne team of 1987 and 1988 played with passion and courage.

ok

Ash is going to drop the video in to me this weekend

anyone whos wants a dvd copy please PM or reply

please give me sometime to get them done as its Christmas and this is my busy time

I will do my best to get them done ASAP

so far Rhino Richards and finks

mark

Add old55 please Mark!

Markc, would love a copy if you can do one for me as well, more than happy to pay and if it is ok a pick up point would be appreciated.

MarkC

Please add me to the list. I will wait for your advice of details of cost and distribution method.

Cheers

hehe thanks for all the replies guys! lock me in eddie for the dvd im happy to cover costs thanks!

Er... we actually won the Night Premiership in both 1987 and 1989. The one that they show with reasonable regularity on Foxtel is the Melbourne v Essendon night grand final of 1987. Robbie missed out on that one through injury and I think it might have been Danny Hughes who captained the side that night.

Thanks WJ! Thats the one! I have caught the last 5- 10 minutes 3 or 4 times since the GF. I was talking about how Robbie made Danny take the limelight as acting captain! Nothing to do with fact that Bret Bailey kicked the winning goal!

Thanks wise monkey, I now have a more appropriate Avatar.

Thanks wise monkey, I now have a more appropriate Avatar.

Don't mention it Robbie. I'm sorry I couldn't find any more pictures of the great man.

Are you going to go with the first picture?

I look forward to seeing it uploaded as your Avatar.

Are you going to go with the first picture?

Already there, see attached.

Looks the goods Robbie.

Funnily my computer did not pick up your Avatar change until I did a hard refresh (Ctrl+F5) <_<

Markc

I'd also be eternally grateful to have a copy. Let me know the details.