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RIP Robbie. With RDB the greatest two players ever in the history of the MFC. However only one of the two remained a Demon all his career. Like all who knew him I am gutted. He was a friend of our family and attended my son's 13th birthday, giving him a framed autographed jumper. At a club banquet auction I purchased a life size photo, which went in my son's room and is still now in our hallway. It is just about my most prized possession. When he was over one day, I showed him the photo and he said he couldn't understand how my son could go to sleep seeing him on the wall. Easy I told him, you are our hero. And he was. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, team mates and all those who like my family loved this guy. We have all lost a legend.

Like 'return of the dees' my first year of 35 years consecutive membership was 1981. I was playing amateur football on Saturdays, the only day that the then VFL also played. I therefore only got to use my membership a couple of times per year. I barracked for Melbourne but didn't love the club - until Robbie. I couldn't believe the skills, grace and the football poetry I saw in Robbie on the few times MFC would be on the Saturday night replays. In an age of 'last man standing' I didn't know football could be so pure and have the visual equivalent of hearing your favourite song. I knew I had to see him perform in person - and perform he did. He was simply the greatest artist in his field - literally. He never transgressed the rules but had to suffer those that believed it was the only way to stop him. Incredibly courageous as well as talented he was the perfect role model and a hero for my young son as well as me. Because of you Robbie, the MFC now has 10 paid up life long members in my immediate family. You were the human version of what I want my club to be still. Proud yet gracious, brave yet fair, a winner (individually) yet humble, loyal yet balanced, gifted yet tenacious. The closest thing to perfection I have seen and undoubtedly the greatest person/footballer combination we have blessed to call our own. No loss outside my family has affected me as much as yours tonight. You were, and always will be, Melbourne to me.

Thanks for the purest demonland banner yet.

My greatest (personal) memory; My parents drove me down from Ballarat to Robbie's Sportsco store (in Box Hill from memory?) when I was about 6 or 7. It was time that my parents bought me my first MFC jumper, and it had to be purchased from the great man. We waited until Robbie could serve me, I was starstruck. He didn't have any/many MFC jumpers in store, not in my size anyway. To ensure we got the right size, Robbie embarrassingly got me to try on a different jumper to ensure he ordered the right size. That jumper was a Collingwood jumper. As a MFC tragic, Robbie could tell the spot he put me in, so with his calm and reassuring voice said "just close your eyes and block your nose". Loved it. Is it possible for our home games in future that we rename "members wing" to "Flower's Wing"? Surely we can do something, even if it is only for our games, to honour this great man, on the oval of some of his greatest memories? RIP Robbie, you're a bloody legend.

I just put this up on my fb page I invite others to do similar and maybe we can see Red and Blue in honour of the great man Robert Flower: "Yesterday we lost a great champion of the game , a legend of the MFC and a inspiration to many a budding footballer. As a mark of respect today I will wear some red and blue. I invite you all, of any club's following to join as tribute to a man who played the game with honour for his club, respect for his team mates and those of his opposition. At a time when supposed champions make a mockery of their privilege Robbie Flower showed humility and great courage. He never put himself above the game he loved , nor the Club he championed but in doing so stood taller than all of it. A good man passed, may many of his kind follow."

Interesting to see former footballers on the front pages of this morning's newspapers. Both revered by their respective Clubs. One played in a Premiership and won a Brownlow, the other one didn't. One was the epitome of selflessness, grace & humility, the other one isn't.

Shocked and so saddened by this tragic news. As a PE teacher at Cheltenham High, I had the the opportunity of seeing Robbie representing Murrumbeena High in action in a footy match against my boys. Let me quote an extract from my book written in 2000. ' As coach, I told my charges that to win they had to stop the skinny, bespectacled kid at centre half forward. He was amazing. He was taking strong marks overhead and his ground play was nothing short of uncanny. He kicked six goals and earned many kicks and handballs. I tried five different players on him all to no avail. "He's too quick sir! I even tried to iron him out but he dodged me easily." commented my so called 'strong man'. It was this boy with his six goals that was the difference between the teams and we lost by eighteen points. I couldn't help admire his skills and I spoke to him as he was leaving the field. "Well played son! I reckon you'll play league one day. What's your name? I asked. He looked a little embarrassed and answered quietly, 'Robert Flower'. Yes, it was THE Robert Flower who was, in a couple of years, to delight football fans all over Australia with his fairness, courage and deft skills. Despite his fail body and his contact lenses, he managed to play 272 games with the Melbourne Football Club and played for Victoria fifteen times.' What a champion he was. Many of WA friends have told me that one of the main reasons for going to an Interstate game against Victoria was to see the great Robbie Flower in action. Vale, Robbie the brave. You along with Ron Barassi were my MFC legends. My sincere condolences to the Flower family.

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. "For fifteen years he's dodged and weaved, He had to be seen to be believed, That scrawny four-eyed weakling kid, Oh! What magic things he did. We just went along to see him play, Hoping to catch him on his day, Win or lose it mattered not, Our day was made when he ran hot. When players left, like Alves, Wells and Crackers, To play in finals, we lost some backers, But no white cells in his blood, only Red and Blue, To the Demons he remained loyal and true. He'd fly like Jezza to take the big mark, Or a Big Nick tap-on or Bartlett shark, Or with Baldock magic and Ian Stewart class He'd hit a chest with a pin point pass. When about to be nabbed by a would-be attacker He'd spin his way out like the Brothers Krakouer, There was nothing like it to lift your soul, When he swept down the wing and dobbed a long goal. At the Western Oval in his final season, To play in a final the only reason, In the third quarter, our run seemed to late, Three quick Scragger goals, it was shut the gate. It looked like his swansong, it made us sick, Our hero hadn't gathered a single kick, But out of the blue he dobbed two in a row, "CARN DEES! HERE WE GO!" In the last it was Footscray, who booted the first, Washing away our grim finals thirst, The Cats were in front, we were just dreamers Then Robbie flew and took one of those screamers. He banged it through, and then we knew, If the Hawks could win his dream would come true, With our radios blaring Dunstall kicked truly, Hawthorn's in front, YOU BLOODY BEAUTY. After 23 years you'd think it enough To see Robbie in a final, doing his stuff. But success makes greedy and hungry for more, To knock off the Roos is the Dees next chore. About finals experience we don't want to know, With 18 Demons having a red hot go, We reckon we'll our Robbie hold up, The 1987 Premiership Cup. Of the MCG chants, the loudest you'll hear's when we stand and yell "ROBBIE!" as the ball comes near, We'll never forget the grace and power, Of our Demon hero, Robbie Flower. Around the Members wing, it's a magical sight, When he soars like an eagle in full flight, and wouldn't be a fantastic thing, If they renamed it, THE ROBBIE FLOWER WING

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.

"It's most satisfying to be a one club player. I love the Melbourne Football Club." - Robert Flower

he Honors the Jumper, & he honors the Number. that Jones boy

Lumumba just came 4th in the copeland. Not a bad effort for a player that majority of demonland didnt want and basically a straight swap for Clark. Lumumba over Clark is a massive win for us.

The beauty of this is it will put some doubt in the minds of the Saints thinking they can just swap pick 1 and 4 with GWS and still get the tall they want.

Good Cant believe how many people on this board have written him off, its ridiculous

Nathan Jones ✔ @nathan2jones Devastated! An absolute gentleman, so many great memories. I'm very grateful and honored to be forever bonded by our numbers Nathan Jones ✔ @nathan2jones More importantly the friendship and support you gave along the way, your infectious positivity kept me going, Thank you Robbie Nathan Jones ✔ @nathan2jones You had such a huge impact on me, more than you knew. My deepest condolences go out to the the flower family at this terribly sad time #2 Looking at Robbie Flower's win to loss record (losses outweighing wins by a mile) amongst other things such as upholding loyalty and love for the club/jumper/game then taking into account Jonesy's tweets. I'm certain the pair shared a respect for one another that far surpassed simply sharing the same number.

Ok, you're Roos and you don't have a functioning midfield - what is more value to you; 1. A CHB, pushed/pulled out of the backline on around 6% of the salary cap? OR 2. Pick 3 in the ND that can be used to acquire a ready made midfielder or a midfielder of the future? I think there is grey here - Dunn was a free agent but very wanted by the club, he stayed. I really question how highly Frawley was rated by Roos and co.

The only handouts here are going to the top teams. We are being compensated for a loss of investment. How about the most succesful person in your suburb gets to take your house under "free agency". A house that you've just spent years renovating and improving having also spent time and money in the analysis in choosing it in the first place. Is it a handout that that you get compensation that doesn't even replace what you had but only allows you some opportunity to start from the beginning all over again? Reanalyzing, hoping to choose correctly and then renovating and developing. We are being given nothing other than some cockamamey reduced opportunity to try to somehow replace what we already had, a lot of which will be at our own time and expense. Seriously mate, I'm all for digging in and and doing the hard yards but to say handout? Seriously!

In his day, Robbie was bigger than anyone - Barassi, lyon, Nietz even Stynes. He was a magnificent footballer who played with grace speed and courage. He was not physically imposing and played in an era when "hit men" still plied their trade. During the early eighties, Robbie was the only reason for going to watch the Dees. I and thousands of others would go to watch Robbie play while Melbourne were flogged. I clearly remember one day when Robbie was a late withdrawal, the palpable sense of disappointment among Dees supporters. Robbie was acknowledged and admired by all - even opposition supporters would applaud him. What a player!

I was one of the lucky ones. Many a time I watched that skinny kid dance in the long afternoon shadows of the members stand, He danced like a demon and mesmerised them all. He turned football into an art form and the "G" was his canvas and his alone. And all the while he looked as if he had no right too. But dance he did, a dance burn't into the memory of all that witnessed it. Vale Robbie

"It's most satisfying to be a one club player. I love the Melbourne Football Club." - Robert Flower

I made a couple of notes from the interview. Said he'd been training with an AIS running coach for the last couple of months, 4 times per week and feels as though he's making inroads with his endurance. He said that for the first 1/2 of the year that he and Roos didn't see eye to eye, but then backtracked a little and said he was a great coach. Also said that he isn't naturally defensive. So there you have it. The reason Sam isn't going to be on the MFC list this year is because......he cannot run out a game, listen to the coach or defend. Not too surprised about that really...but i do find it funny that its only the last couple of months that he's been doing extra running. Maybe the penny's dropped that his career is hanging by a thread.

One thing is for certain, the kid will be a hell of a lot better player the minute after the bidding process is over... Right now? I could take him or leave him. Meh.

I was only 9 when he retired. When we were asked in primary school who our favourite player was, my answer in the early days was Robbie Flower. I just wish I got to watch him play when I had a better understanding and appreciation of the game. My uncle, who made me a Demons supporter has always lit up when he talks about watching Robbie play, he doesn't talk like that about anyone else, you can see the genuine enjoyment he gets just from those memories, it's swesome. We got to meet Robbie the last time we belted Brisbane at the G. Like Big Jim, Robbie approached us and was a genuinely warm and down to earth bloke. I'm glad to have met him, watched him and that he was part of the MFC. Best wishes to all who knew him. Rest in peace.

MELBOURNE is supremely confident Hawthorn’s five-year deal for James Frawley on around $600,000 a season will see it receive pick three as compensation. http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/melbourne-is-confident-it-will-receive-pick-three-as-james-frawley-departs-for-hawthorn/story-fn69a32t-1227079537457 Hopefully true.

Anyone who suggests Bontempelli or Liberatore as part of a trade is on very bad or very good drugs, depending on what side of the fence you are on.

We'll all still think that tomorrow.

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.

I'd rather see him flip the bird to the draft camp and smoke cones out the back so everyone passes on him and we get him with pick 200. But that's just me

Clearly doesnt want the Saints to take him so he can get to the MFC

Just looking through their list if they wanna move to pick 2 it would take McRae, Bontempelli or Stringer with their pick 6 And we know they wont trade any of them

OMG - so much so that he has basically told us "get stuffed, I'm out of here, and don't give a toss for all you have put up with and done for me"!!! He will certainly be remembered....as a Disloyal Egotistical Moneygrabbing Ostracised Narcissist !!

The only players we'd want from the Dogs are players they wouldn't want to give up.

Look, he's just one of those guys that tell you what you want to hear. They are quite charismatic but have not one once of substance and you can't trust a word they say. His actions show that...we have a word for this, rhymes with anchor.

Really like this idea. Think we should be pushing for this

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

Just brewed the first coffee of the day I still cannot fathom that "our" Robbie 2 Flower has gone Don't think i ever will. Do it for Robbie Demons. Next year. No bullshite excuses. Just Do It

Will boo Mitch until my throat is sore , THEN i will boo some more. Because i'm nice like that.

I'd be rapt to get pick 33 for a bloke that's played 15 games in 3 years. It would be ludicrous to 'send him to the draft on principle' rather than take pick 33. Send the pick straight to Collingwood for Lamumba and take the 60 decent games and fanatical training standards Lamumba will provide.

I reckon this one hurts more than any previous - abssolutely no disrepect to any that have departed. Like most, I barrack for Melbourne wholey and soley due to my dad, who passed a couple of years ago, sadly in his later 50's too. I wouldn't have it any other way. Robbie gave him quite a deal of hope during those tough years, and the memories I have of "that" 1987 season, of going to the footy with my dad and watching Robbie alone, will never die. My first MFC jumper had the number 2 on the back. At the start of 1988, my mum sewed a number 7 to it on the right of the existing number 2. I'm in my 30's, and it's totally shattering that 3 of my top 4 all time favourite players are no longer with us (take care please, Wiz!). I should be celebrating their passing when I'm in my 50's or 60's, watching old footage with my son and daughter. Instead, I have to watch Youtube clips on my own because my boy is only 10 weeks old, and my girl (2) isn't really interested in Youtube unless it's to watch Peppa Pig or The Wiggles. The occasional "Go Dees" is quite cute though when she sees higlights of Robbie, but it brings a tear to the eye when it's not directed at the great man himself. It will one day.

My dad knew him quite well being a journo and then involved at the club. Was well enough to have a beer with mates last week. I am too young to appreciate Robbie but I do appreciate his effect on my dad, which has been vast and lasting. He made an impression in my life.

Love the banner - great work.

I am old enough to have seen the 50s and 60s premierships and the great players MFC had then BUT Robbie Flower is easily the best MFC player I have ever seen and my all time favorite footballer despite the superstars of today. No-one has ever given me greater pleasure to watch. Totally shattering. Most sincere condolences to the family from this simple Demon fan.

Would it be fair to say Griffen is already past his best? I'd rather Dalhaus/Stringer + 6 for 3.

My first footy memories are my long departed Pa saving Footy Records for me. It was 1981, we were rubbish but the whole family laughed at Jacko and was impressed with young Healy. But Robbie.....he was spoken of in hushed tones. A deity. We didn't have much. But we had Robbie. He was ours, and no bag of cash, or cheap finals appearances, was going to change that. My old mans the hardest bastard I know, but he'll be crying himself to sleep tonight. Have 5 bounces and dob one from 50 great man.

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.

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:

I watched him play for 14 years, his entry to playing being my entry to footy consciousness. He was the greatest football hero a Dees loving kid could have. He was the greatest footballer never to win a Brownlow medal. He was the greatest footballer never to win a premiership. He was the most loyal of clubmen, when he had every reason not to be. and he was the most beautiful footballer I've ever seen. RIP Robbie.

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