I've just gotten home from Jack Dyers funeral and thought I'd quickly post so you could all get a feel for what went on.
I got to the church at about 9.20 this morning so that I could go inside. I got seats about 7 rows back from the front, and slightly to the right. The main thing was, I could see Jack's coffin with the Tiger Skin and head on it. Looked fantastic. I was also in view of a large painting of Jack Dyer from his playing days, as well as the pedestal where people would speak.
I was in a fantasy land, as I watched all the legends of the game, from Richmond, and also other clubs, all become one for today, shaking hands and reminising on days that have past, as well as talking of Jack's tales.
Such people that were there, were the current Richmond senior list, coaching staff and admin, past palyers such as Francis Bourke, Neville Crowe, Matty Knights, Paul Broderick, Chris Naish, Disco Roach, Bruce Monteath, Tony Jewell, Lou Richards, Ron Reiffel, *smile* Reynolds, Dale Weightman,as well as former staff by the likes of Leon Daphne, and The Geish himself. Also present was none other than Eddie McGuire. I usually hate Eddie but I applaude him today as I'm sure he recognises the importance of Jack in regards to his own position these days in the media.
I'm sure others like Sheedy, Hafey, Benny gale, Royce hart etc were there but the church was crammed so I couldn't see them.
I will also mention this, that a lot of the players were visually upset. In particular, the ones I sat near who I see cleary and were emotional were Roden, Stafford, Coughlan, Campbell, Richo, Andrew kellaway, Pettifer, and even Rory Hilton. I cannot comment on others because i could not see them. So it would be wrong for me to pressume anything.
The service was wonderful. The highlight for me was the speaches by kevin Bartlett and Bobby Davis. These two spoke so well given the circumstances. I really admire Kevin for coming back to the club, albeit in a way that he has. Doubt he will be back at Punt Road this afternoon, although this could be his perfect opportuntiy.
Anyway, I was so proud to be there. One of the songs that brought me to tears was Wind beneath My Wings by Bette Midler. The players looked very upset during this, and then it had a domino effect.
Jack was carried out of the church to Tigerland being played over the organ, and was then cheered as he was driven away fro the last time. It was excellent for the police to block off Church Street and Swan Street, and I was so very proud to be Richmond Supporter. I will be going to Punt Road this afternoon now, and I will join with the thousands of other people at punt road and celebrate this day, the fantastic life of OUR CAPTAIN BLOOD, JACK DYER.
I got to the church at about 9.20 this morning so that I could go inside. I got seats about 7 rows back from the front, and slightly to the right. The main thing was, I could see Jack's coffin with the Tiger Skin and head on it. Looked fantastic. I was also in view of a large painting of Jack Dyer from his playing days, as well as the pedestal where people would speak.
I was in a fantasy land, as I watched all the legends of the game, from Richmond, and also other clubs, all become one for today, shaking hands and reminising on days that have past, as well as talking of Jack's tales.
Such people that were there, were the current Richmond senior list, coaching staff and admin, past palyers such as Francis Bourke, Neville Crowe, Matty Knights, Paul Broderick, Chris Naish, Disco Roach, Bruce Monteath, Tony Jewell, Lou Richards, Ron Reiffel, *smile* Reynolds, Dale Weightman,as well as former staff by the likes of Leon Daphne, and The Geish himself. Also present was none other than Eddie McGuire. I usually hate Eddie but I applaude him today as I'm sure he recognises the importance of Jack in regards to his own position these days in the media.
I'm sure others like Sheedy, Hafey, Benny gale, Royce hart etc were there but the church was crammed so I couldn't see them.
I will also mention this, that a lot of the players were visually upset. In particular, the ones I sat near who I see cleary and were emotional were Roden, Stafford, Coughlan, Campbell, Richo, Andrew kellaway, Pettifer, and even Rory Hilton. I cannot comment on others because i could not see them. So it would be wrong for me to pressume anything.
The service was wonderful. The highlight for me was the speaches by kevin Bartlett and Bobby Davis. These two spoke so well given the circumstances. I really admire Kevin for coming back to the club, albeit in a way that he has. Doubt he will be back at Punt Road this afternoon, although this could be his perfect opportuntiy.
Anyway, I was so proud to be there. One of the songs that brought me to tears was Wind beneath My Wings by Bette Midler. The players looked very upset during this, and then it had a domino effect.
Jack was carried out of the church to Tigerland being played over the organ, and was then cheered as he was driven away fro the last time. It was excellent for the police to block off Church Street and Swan Street, and I was so very proud to be Richmond Supporter. I will be going to Punt Road this afternoon now, and I will join with the thousands of other people at punt road and celebrate this day, the fantastic life of OUR CAPTAIN BLOOD, JACK DYER.
