Robbie Flower was the heart and soul of the Melbourne Football Club.
One of the fondest memories I have as a child growing up in Melbourne was a visit to Forges in Footscray in the early 1980s.
Forges department store had a service where you could get labels pressed onto clothes. You would often see duffle coats on hangers waiting to have a label pressed onto the back – not of the owner’s name, but of their favourite footballer.
The format was the same for every person: first name at the top, number in the middle, surname at the bottom.
Names like Michael Turner, Simon Madden, Leigh Matthews and Peter Bosustow were popular among VFL fans, but being a Melbourne supporter there was only one name you could have on your back.
Robert ‘2’ Flower
Robert (forever known as ‘Robbie’) Flower was the footballer every kid who supported Melbourne wanted to be like. He was skilful, light-footed, a terrific overhead mark, and a leader of men. He gave every Melbourne supporter a reason to go to games during the 70s and 80s when the Demons were at their lowest.
Flower streaming down the MCC Members wing was like a gazelle gliding across the African plains: graceful, exhilarating, awe-inspiring, and it always brought a smile to your face – even if the Demons were 10 goals down, which was often the case.
In the days where you were able to have a kick after the siren you would see more kids (and some adults) emulating the call of ‘Flower streaming down the wing’ than having shots at goal.
My Dad, brother and I fondly remember Flower and the impact he had, so to hear of his passing on Thursday hit us pretty hard.
He was not just our favourite player from that era, but a hero to us. He could have left for greater success at other clubs but decided to be a loyal, one-club player. He was the captain you just wanted to play with and, more importantly, play for.
Even though I no longer have my duffle coat, I will forever cherish the memories the famous Number 2 had on my life.
RIP Robert Flower.
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