- Apr 4, 2006
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- AFL Club
- Western Bulldogs
Some lovely tributes from former Captains
Matty Robbins posted a comment on the club's FB post this afternoon. I wasn't specifically looking for other players, just spotted his post.
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Some lovely tributes from former Captains
John was my father’s best mate and surfing buddy. I was born in 1960 the year he won the Brownlow and our families shared many wonderful times over many years at Balnarring, Shoreham, Torquay, Pt Leo, Byron Bay and home. Can still clearly remember him limping around the house after matches.
John was my football idol and had a huge influence on me with his gentle manner and character. I based the way I played the game on his example and always remember him just having a grin at the pretend tough guys who tried to rough him up occasionally.
Was so glad he got to present the Premiership cup to the Bulldogs.
Still have a S.A. footy jumper given to John by a South Australian in the traditional jumper swap of that era when John was playing for the Big V. John gifted the jumper to Dad, in those days both he and John wore footy jumpers when surfing so it’s a bit worse for wear. Along with Dad’s Wangaratta jumper it is still a prized possession for me.
View attachment 2098279
Spoke to one of John and Elaine’s daughters a couple of days ago and John was in good spirits.
Passing on my condolences to all the Bulldogs fans. Hope you win the Grand Final for him. I’ll be barracking hard for you
.
Rest In Peace John
Rusty
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Such sad news but lovely to read the tributes and memories so many people have of John. My dad was on one of the committees at the club during that era and collected a lot of players’ autographs, including John’s. I still have the autograph book.A memory,
Same same. John worked with my father at the SSB in Abbotsford and met him again when he and Robert ran the old SSW grocery and liquor store in Syndal when he lived opposite the riversdale golf club. He was always generous with his time and insightful with his football observations. A true bullgod.
So beautiful. Hope Bevo plays it to the boys this week.![]()
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RIP John. Condolences for your loss. Your story reminds me of the time when I was teaching and Gary Dempsey’s son brought in the 1975 Brownlow Medal for show and tell.John was my uncle and he was a fantastic person. He was always kind and was genuinely loved by everyone he met.
I never saw Uncle John play other than a bit a vision in the 1961 grand final, but I always imagine that he must have played like Nick Riewoldt and Mark Blicavs.
In 1991 Uncle John and Aunty Elaine delivered a menu from the Brownlow medal which was signed by all the Melbourne players, including Jimmy Stynes.
Uncle John was always very modest and he kept his Brownlow in the wardrobe but one day we asked him to bring it out and show me. You can imagine how proud I was to wear a Brownlow at 10 years of age.
At Christmas we would always talk about football and we would often discuss the tribunal given his role at the tribunal. While we didn’t always agree (Rod Grinter was innocent!) he was always respectful.
While I wasn’t a Bulldog, they were always my second team and the family was elated in 2016. Let’s hope the Dogs can do it again this year!
RIP John
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Hope everything is ok and whatever personal challenges you are facing atm hopefully they get better for you soonI'd forgotten about that clip, thanks for posting.
"Do not reply, play with your children."
I think because of the proximity to Father's Day and a few personal challenges I'm facing atm, that clip really hit home in so many ways.
I've got a (hard copy!) photo of John and I in the Marvel race from 2022, think I'll slip it into my pocket for Friday night.
Loving all the posts btw, both Bulldogs and others. And condolences to Fat Tony! , but especially love your post.
Hope everything is ok and whatever personal challenges you are facing atm hopefully they get better for you soon
Beautifully written FromTheBoundaryLine and thank you for sharing your family stories. It's these stories that epitomise Gentleman John and provide colour. Look after yourself during this period RustyJohn was my father’s best mate and surfing buddy. I was born in 1960 the year he won the Brownlow and our families shared many wonderful times over many years at Balnarring, Shoreham, Torquay, Pt Leo, Byron Bay and home. Can still clearly remember him limping around the house after matches.
John was my football idol and had a huge influence on me with his gentle manner and character. I based the way I played the game on his example and always remember him just having a grin at the pretend tough guys who tried to rough him up occasionally.
Was so glad he got to present the Premiership cup to the Bulldogs.
Still have a S.A. footy jumper given to John by a South Australian in the traditional jumper swap of that era when John was playing for the Big V. John gifted the jumper to Dad, in those days both he and John wore footy jumpers when surfing so it’s a bit worse for wear. Along with Dad’s Wangaratta jumper it is still a prized possession for me.
View attachment 2098279
Spoke to one of John and Elaine’s daughters a couple of days ago and John was in good spirits.
Passing on my condolences to all the Bulldogs fans. Hope you win the Grand Final for him. I’ll be barracking hard for you
.
Rest In Peace John
Rusty