Melbourne’s annual reports show that Len Dockett came up from the Seconds to make his senior debut in 1946.  He played 18 games that season.  It was a great beginning for the young wingman, marking a year in which the Demons returned to the MCG after a wartime hiatus, and made the Grand Final.

Dockett’s start in the game was curtailed, as was the case for so many, by military service.  He saw overseas action in the AIF, enlisting in 1943.  Discharged in 1948, he reached the rank of Sergeant with 14/32 AIF.

Legendary coach, ‘Checker’ Hughes, had Dockett’s talent earmarked from a very early stage.  As many tell it with a grin, Len pretended he was a right footer because he had ambitions to play with Richmond…all to no avail, as he found out when ‘Checker’ pulled him to one side and told him that the Club knew full well he was a left footer, and that he might as well accept that he was going to play with Melbourne!

And play he did – with character and flair – throughout 102 games in the No. 32 guernsey between 1946 and 1951.  A member of the 1948 premiership side, he was awarded an Outstanding Service trophy in the same season.  Best and Fairest in 1949, Dockett missed only one game for the entire year, and was also recognised with a trophy for Consistent Play in 1950.  Upon his retirement at the end of 1951, he was hailed as ‘one of the best players and clubmen at Melbourne for many years.’  His contribution continued with his representation of Melbourne Football Club members on the Club’s Committee until 1954.

A popular local sportsman, Dockett was also part of the district cricketing scene, opening the batting for Richmond.  He maintained a keen interest in both football and cricket, and was recognised at the end of 2007 with Life Membership of the Melbourne Football Club.  While not able to be present himself, he was fittingly represented by his son, Russell.

Dockett’s passing on New Year’s Day, 2008, has left the Club, and the sporting fraternity, bereft of one of its greatest characters and contributors to its heritage.  His funeral procession will pass the Members’ Stand today in a fitting farewell.  All at the Club pass on their sincerest sympathies to the Dockett family and friends, and pay tribute to Len Dockett – an integral part of the Melbourne Football Club – always.