R.I.P. Geoff Leek

[Burzum]

Essendon saddened by passing of Geoff Leek

Thursday, 21 February 2008
Essendon Football Club has been deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former player and respected media commentator Geoff Leek, who died today aged 76. Leek – a 194cm ruckman - played 191 games for Essendon between 1951 and 1962, kicking 98 goals and playing in the 1962 Premiership.

The football world referred to Leek as the “gentle giant” – a reflection of his great character and sportsmanship, according to former Essendon player and administrator Barry Capuano.

“Geoff was an extremely popular man amongst his peers and always had a joke to tell. All players from his era will be shocked and saddened by his sudden death,” Capuano said today.

“Geoff was considered a very awkward player in his early years, but through sheer perseverance he became a top ruckman and was an integral part of the club for many years. Geoff also had a distinguished career in the media, and particularly in TV, following his football playing days.”

Leek joined Essendon from Preston Boys Club, a team he played for from 1946 to 1949. He joined the thirds in 1950, after being cleared by Collingwood to whom he was residentially bound.

When he joined the seniors in 1951, nobody would have predicted that the awkward giant would turn out to be such a star. He was a great team man and he gave his rovers an armchair ride with his clever and controlled palming from the packs. His only fault was his unreliable kicking, although he normally covered good distances with his left foot. He had remarkable quickness for his size.

He starred in the 1962 premiership win after being doubtful an hour before the game with an ankle injury.

Capuano said not many people are fully aware of the story that unfolded prior to that Grand Final.

“On the Thursday night at training prior to the 1962 Grand Final, which was to be Geoff’s last game, he badly twisted his ankle and was considered very doubtful to play,” Capuano recalled.

“The selectors at the time gave him every opportunity of playing on the basis that he must pass a fitness test prior to the game. Geoff had pain killing injections in his ankle and was already dressed in his playing gear, prior to the test, just before the game.

“The test was to kick a medicine ball under the watchful eyes of the selectors, and Geoff grimaced somewhat after his first timid kick, and was requested to kick the ball harder.

“The second kick was somewhat harder but still not to the satisfaction of the selectors, and he was requested to kick the ball as hard as possible otherwise he was out of the side.
“Geoff gave the ball a solid kick and was then declared fit to play. The selectors were never aware that Geoff was kicking with his non injured leg! He played a great game and was amongst the best players.”

The Club passes on its deepest condolences to the family and friends of a wonderful man and a great part of the Essendon Football Club.

http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=5590

 

[mantis]

I just received the email, I feel very sad. Have spoken with Geoff many times, a wonderful person & great Ruckman.

R.I.P. Geoff, we will miss you & condolences to his family & friends.

 

[King Richard]

Very sad news........R.I.P Geoff

 

[Pevers-Legend]

Sad News.

But I loved the story about the 62 granny. Classic Stuff!!

If only we could buy the 62 Granny like we can the 65.

 

[thebigboy]

R.I.P Geoff and Best Wishes to his family.

 

[stander]

Sad News.

But I loved the story about the 62 granny. Classic Stuff!!

If only we could buy the 62 Granny like we can the 65.

You should be able to pick up a copy Pevers- I have a VHS tape of the 62 G/F, its called "The forgotten grand final". Can't recall where I picked it up.

 

[ShepBoy]

I write this as a Collingwood supporter.

Having met Geoff Leek I can say I am quite upset about his passing on.

He was a true gentleman and on the several times I met him, he was quite knowledgable about football, and also quite respectful of Collingwood.

I never saw him play but I watched him as a kid on Tony Charlton's Football Show, then later he called games on Channel 9 in 1971-1972 with Wes Lofts (he was at the Greening game at Moorabbin) and later on The Winners.

He was a top bloke and great family man.

Rest in Peace big fella.

 

[Kettles]

To those of you who didn't know him, Mustaffa (as he was known by his fellow players) was a ripping bloke. He was always on for a yack about the Bombers. A great Bomber, sadly missed.

 

[Cranium]

Very sorry to hear of Geoff Leek's passing. I remember him vividly as a commentator. He always came across as a gentle giant. Vale Geoff.

 

[windyhill]

My memories of him were as a panellist on "The Winners" My old man said that he was too nice for his own good, pure gentleman. RIP big man.

 

[FancyNancy]

I remember him as a commentator on channel 7
condolences to his family.

 

[siameezer]

To those of you who didn't know him, Mustaffa (as he was known by his fellow players) was a ripping bloke. He was always on for a yack about the Bombers. A great Bomber, sadly missed.

Geoff was my godfather (my grandparents and Uncle Geoff's parents, George and Doris, were best friends and Uncle Geoff was a regular at their house) and he was a thorough gentleman. He was in every sense a "gentle giant" and he will be missed by everyone who knew him.

I can just remember going to the 1962 Grand Final as a small child and watching him play ... my Grandpa told me I told everyone who would listen that it was "my" Uncle Geoff out there on the field LOL.

He was also known as "Sprunga" to his fellow players.

Thank you for the lovely tributes you have posted to him ... it is heartwarming to see he is so fondly remembered by so many people.

I hadn't caught up with him for a couple of years and his death took me by surprise ...