15 November 1913 ~ 23 August 2003

Photos from  Jack Dyer's funeral celebrations.
27 August 2003

(CLICK ON  THUMBNAILS TO ENLARGE)

Jack Dyer

Read by Barry at Punt Road oval following the funeral service

By Barry from the Bush

Jack is remembered
For his skill and power --
Just six foot in his socks,
Yet over all he towered.
He was intimidating --
For victory he would fight,
And when his shoulder struck
Your day turned into night.


To win was his objective --
Straight ahead he went,
Whatever the consequences
He would not relent.
He played three hundred games,
His fame was not approached,
He won six Best and Fairests,
Eight years he captain-coached.


Through the great depression
Gold was in his feet,
It was like a fortune
When victory was to eat.
Families then were battling
And injured you would play,
No one could afford to miss --
You needed footy's pay.


He was inducted as a legend
In Australia's Hall of Fame,
He was honoured with the OAM --
But Jack remained the same.
He was a humble person,
A character off the field,
He made a name in radio,
In TV he appealed.


He shone for fifteen years
(So long ago it seems)
With Lou and Bobby Davis
In announcing footy teams.
He was an early member
Of Seven's World of Sport,
Viewing was essential --
Such memories can't be bought.



The handball and the pies,
The chop and tug-of-war,
The cycling and the panel --
Bill and Doug and more.
It's an era to remember,
When footy was a game.
Above it all he towered
As he increased his fame.


Captain Blood had presence
The same as on the ground,
He had a way with words
But often they'd rebound.
Sometimes the meaning altered
From what the Oxford meant,
But he was inspirational
So on our worship went.


And I will not forget
Jack's call for explanation,
"If ya don't mind umpire please",
Said with indignation.
I remember his opponents
And his Richmond mates,
I salute and applaud them
Those idols and the greats.


Jack will be remembered --
They seldom pass this way,
Men of fame and destiny,
Of which we rightly say:
You inspired a nation,
You won respect of all,
And in sporting history
You are standing tall.

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