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VALE: Bernie Massey

La Dee-vina Comedia
La Dee-vina Comedia
in Melbourne Demons

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#37 as I recall. 
Our last  premiership full back before Steven May - a great negator as I recall, though John Peck always seemed to have his measure. 

RIP. 

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    I noted a Channel 7 reporter covering the build up to our game down at Geelong had the surname Massey. Does anyone know if she's any relation?

    And RIP Bernie.

    Edited by A F

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    Played Squash against him twice. A tough competitor.

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    A great player-no 37.  I'll never forget a mark he completed whilst lying on his back in the goal square down the scoreboard end. He must have. got a hand on it in the air and the pack crashed down and he stuck out his hand whilst on his back and the ball landed in it. A really great second attempt slips catch during footy season! RIP Bernie-thanks for the great contribution and wonderful memories.

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    It’s another sad day when one of your favourites (heck, they were all favourites back then) passes away. 

    He was recruited young 
back in the days when the Demons were smart at finding talent. He played with the Fourths and was registered under his grandmother’s Murrumbeena address which was in Melbourne’s suburban zone. Otherwise, he would have become a Hawk. He worked his way through the ranks in the late 50s but was a true child of the 60s making his senior debut vs North Melbourne in Round 1, 1960. Even then it took him until 1962 to establish himself and he was premiership full back in 1964.

    My favourite story about Bernie was about the day he turned up to training with a mustache and Norm Smith told him in no uncertain terms that if he wanted to play footy then the mo had to go. He played 99 games which was the most for the club without kicking a goal and the most games in guernsey # 37. His father was an official with the Under 19s and Reserves and like Bernie, a life member.

    Vale Bernie Massey - a premiership Demon.

    IMG_3730.jpeg.822da7d09a826fc4103342ae089b2125.jpeg

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    Watching him kick in with magnificent drop kicks was a joy in the 60s.

    Got his autograph at the 2014 50th anniversary of the premiership.

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    Crompton, Massey, Miller.  What an outstanding full back line!  Key parts of our 1964 Premiership list.  Only Bobby Miller is still with us. So sad.  RIP Bernie.💕

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    1 hour ago, tiers said:

    Watching him kick in with magnificent drop kicks was a joy in the 60s.

    Got his autograph at the 2014 50th anniversary of the premiership.

    Agree. He was a booming kick. Along with Phil Rhoden and Donny Williams was the best drop kick I can remember 

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    Vale Bernie Massey.

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    2 hours ago, Bitter but optimistic said:

    Massey, Miller, Roet , Williams  etc...

    Some great players way back then

    You forgot Leahy and Anderson...

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    16 minutes ago, Monbon said:

    You forgot Leahy and Anderson...

    And VAGG!!!

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    2 hours ago, chook fowler said:

    Agree. He was a booming kick. Along with Phil Rhoden and Donny Williams was the best drop kick I can remember 

    I remember Tassie Johnson drop kicking from full back to the centre circle on occasions.

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    Did Massey and Tassie Bob play together? I think they did. As a kid I think I remember they used to swap roles sometimes at full back

    Edited by doc roet

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    1 hour ago, Monbon said:

    You forgot Leahy and Anderson...

    Tassie Johnson ... hence the etc .... the list was very long !

    Edited by Bitter but optimistic
    typo

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    A colour photo of Bernie taking a mark was the first photo I put up on my bedroom door. It really started my love of the guernsey and the team.

    Thanks Bernie. RIP. 

     

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    Huge commiserations to Bernie's  family on his passing and solace to all who were lucky enough to play with Bernie or see him play or barrack for him in his 99 games.

    He was a very good player and as noted he played a vital role in our Dee' s 1964 team's triumphant 12th flag victory.

    Vale Bernie Massey No 37. 

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    13 hours ago, Deeoldfart said:

    Crompton, Massey, Miller.  What an outstanding full back line!  Key parts of our 1964 Premiership list.  Only Bobby Miller is still with us. So sad.  RIP Bernie.💕

    The 1964 GF back line was Neil Crompton, Bernie Massey, Tassie Johnson.

    No Miller who, at the time, was the first permanent back pocket "ruckman" and not a follower.

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