Captain Blood hangs up boots | PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum
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Captain Blood hangs up boots

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Mr T.

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Captain Blood hangs up boots
25 August 2003

A SIGN of how times have changed was Richmond's tribute to Jack Dyer at Telstra Dome, a dry indoor venue while the rain fell like tears on the vacant Punt Rd oval across town.

Jack Dyer charged through mud and rain over 18 seasons to 1949 at the Tigerland home he dominated.

His death cannot take away joyful, affectionate memories of homespun footy wisdom, which Jack leaves adult fans.

Jack Dyer was genuine, showing a real humility to people belying his fearsome on-field reputation as "Captain Blood".

A knee injury meant he had to run straight ahead, straight through all opposition, but in a record 312 games he was suspended only once.

In seven Grand Finals, winning two including 1943 as captain-coach, his skill as a speedy, goal-kicking ruckman complemented his fearsome toughness.

Jack Dyer left Richmond's St Ignatius College at 14 to support his family.

As a publican, policeman and milk-bar owner, Jack knew what football meant to working-class people in the Depression.

He was kind and courteous in dealing with fans, encouraging young footballers, helping children and visiting the sick.

His mate Lou Richards never saw Jack swear in front of a woman and Bob Davis recalls him as a family man above all.

Such a gentleman's code (which often turned a blind-eye to sporting violence) is a fading memory in many respects. But some wealthy sports stars could well take note of Jack Dyer's manly integrity.

And his wonderful legacy of "Dyerisms" have become part of football's lexicon, bang on target despite hilariously emasculating the language.

His forum was radio and HSV 7's World of Sport and League Teams shows.

Jack's gentle, self-effacing humour contrasted with Lou the lip's gags.

And when Jack spoke seriously, the football world took heed of his wisdom.

His passing comes within a year of Bomber legend *smile* Reynolds and Collingwood's Bob Rose. All sporting giants.

Captain Blood will get a huge send off - with a "motor arcade" leading the hearse.
 
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