As far as I know, there's no link to Melbourne, but anyone brought up on the old VFA during the 70s would remember the flamboyant Fred Cook, Port Melbourne's full forward. Apparently passed away today aged 74. A great entertainer (in the days when there wasn't much entertainment in being a Melbourne supporter).

Just now, La Dee-vina Comedia said:

As far as I know, there's no link to Melbourne, but anyone brought up on the old VFA during the 70s would remember the flamboyant Fred Cook, Port Melbourne's full forward. Apparently passed away today aged 74. A great entertainer (in the days when there wasn't much entertainment in being a Melbourne supporter).

amazed he lasted that long......he did burn the candle at both ends....and in-between too

Fabulous Freddy was a bit before my time. However, I am familiar with him. He was definitely a memorial to what suburban footy was in the 70's. And he symbolized a time when the VFA was a powerful figure on the Victorian football scene and not the pathetic shell that it is today. 

Those were the days that blokes like Fev, Colin Sylvia, Dan Connors and Jack Watts should have played in (and that isn't a slight on them). You could be talented but could be a lad after training and throw back a few beers. It fit Freddy right down to the ground.

As DC said, he definitely did play hard on the field and on the tiles. From memory, Denis Allen was using his pub as a moving house for his merchandise and got Freddy hooked on cocaine (and he served a sentence). Thankfully, he cleaned himself up after serving a sentence and remained a real character.

Vale Fred Cook.

Edited February 1, 20223 yr by Colin B. Flaubert

I played with Fred in the red'n'blue briefly, certainly a larger than life character, despite his later troubles was a great bloke to be around, certainly cared for all Borough people, supporters and players alike .

Vale Fred

Freddy Cook was a real old style Full Forward,  my only query is was he only 74.

He always seemed far older than myself when I was with Glen Huntly reserves. we would watch the VFA and the bears or sandy on a Sunday.   so long ago, s hit I wasted a lot of time drinking myself sober.

 

Different times back then.

I'm the right vintage, but I don't think I ever saw Cook play.

I read Fred's book a couple of years ago and he pulls no punches about his amphetamine addiction nor the many other troubles and strife that dogged him after his footy career ended.

He actually played for three seasons at Footscray (Bulldogs for the younger reader) mainly as a ruckman and defender before making his name as a goal-kicking sensation for Port Melbourne in the VFA.

Rest in peace, Freddy.

In those heady days of the 70's when the live VFA telecast was a must watch each Sunday afternoon Fred Cook was enormous.

VFA crowds often exceeded some of the VFL crowds of the day.

He was certainly a colourful character. Started off with Footscray in the late 60s, spent a couple of seasons at Yarraville and crossed to Port Melbourne where he had a stellar career as a full forward. Spent his final season in the game at Moorabbin before that club folded (for a second time). Had a chequered career off field but as a footballer he was larger than life and lifted the VFA in the modern era before the VFL took over with Sunday football.

I followed the Boroughs in the VFA as a kid and thought Fred Cook was a legend. Went to games just to see him play. Always expected something interesting to happen: a fight, a crowd interaction, a bag of goals or a bag of d**gs!

Certainly lived life to the full, whatever you thought of him.

Vale Fred Cook.

Edited February 1, 20223 yr by Stiff Arm

VFA footy was huge in the 70's and Freddie was one of its biggest characters - and a bloody good footballer.

Fred was no health freak though and was caught on camera scoffing some pre game nourishment - a four n twenty!!!!

Fred didn't mind an ale either.

A genuine larger than life character was Freddie - sad news!!

1 hour ago, DeeDJ said:

I played with Fred in the red'n'blue briefly, certainly a larger than life character, despite his later troubles was a great bloke to be around, certainly cared for all Borough people, supporters and players alike .

Vale Fred

Thanks DeeDj. Any stories you’d like to share of your time at the Borough. 

Vale Freddy, a VFA legend in your time, and that’s no mean feat. 

1 hour ago, Cards13 said:

Thanks DeeDj. Any stories you’d like to share of your time at the Borough. 

cheers Cards, it was interesting as a young bloke trying to break in to a powerhouse club as an unknown after being invited to train, coming from the northern suburbs. If you weren't a local you weren't quite exactly accepted, and it was only after a couple of weeks training (and not being spoken to) that another players father ( a local Port legend) asked if I was related to "my fathers name", when I said yes it was then that they realised I WAS actually from a Port family, I was then immediately brought into the "Port" circle and accepted.

A lot of stories though probably need to stay in house though 🤐🤣 

Vale Fred.

I kicked the footy with his daughter back in the day.

She was a raking left foot.

Freddy was a natural athlete.

The rumour was that the Demons wanted him but we were too unprofessional for Fred.

12 hours ago, DeeDJ said:

A lot of stories though probably need to stay in house though 🤐🤣 

I believe Sam Newman, despite the contemptible aspects of his performative public persona, kept Freddy alive at certain points. He was standing between Freddy and a loaded gun held by one of the Allen brothers on one occasion.

Sam did tell one such story on the Footy Show when Freddy was a guest involving Andrew Purser (an 80’s Bulldogs ruckman). I won’t repeat it here as it definitely wouldn’t pass the smell test today.

RIP Fred Cook a Legend of the VFA.!!

The notorious 1976 grand final where Cook locked horns with Allan Harper. Never thought Cook would get up.

Edited February 2, 20223 yr by John Crow Batty