I witnessed Lou drinking out of Haydn Bunton's boot

A MAGPIE legend, TV trailblazer and great entertainer - there weren't many like 'Louie the Lip'.

• Obituary: 170cm Lou, a giant on and off the field

We asked for your favourite memories of Richards, from his 250-game playing career to his time as a Thursday night TV fixture on League Teams, and beyond.

Here are some of your best stories.

I witnessed Lou drinking out of Haydn Bunton's boot

Lou said that Swan Districts, coached by Haydn Bunton Jnr, couldn't win the 1961 WAFL Grand Final against massive favourites, Polly Farmer's East Perth.

He said he would drink milk from Bunton's boot if the Swans won. The Swans won their first flag and I was at Bassendean Oval on Sunday as an 11-year-old to celebrate and to witness Lou drinking out of Haydn Bunton's boot.

- Brent Watkins, Scarborough WA

The day Peter Landy chased him from the commentary box

As 12-year-olds, myself and mates at the Escort Cup matches at VFL Park used to delight in taunting Peter Landy about his ceramic-looking hairpiece.

Lou, overhearing, said: "Ha, it certainly hasn't moved and we're in an Arctic gale …".

Landy then spat the dummy, lurched up from the commentary box and gave chase.

- Adrian Thomas, Frankston Vic

He delivered a reverse stab drop kick onto my chest from 20m

I met Lou as a 13-year-old on entry to the VFL to watch North v South Melbourne in 1977. He took the time to entertain myself and a couple of mates plus deliver a reverse stab drop kick by the heel of his foot sharp onto my chest some 20 metres away.

I'm still amazed by this skillful act 40 years later.

And who can ever forget his entertaining hosting of the Colliwobbles burial at Victoria Park in November 1990?

What a lovable character!

- Steve Miller, Palmwoods Qld

What did they make of Louie the Lip in Saudi Arabia?

I remember the replay of the 1977 drawn Grand Final. As North were warming up there was an onscreen roll of the countries to which it was being beamed over satellite. For some reason, Saudi Arabia made an imprint.

When the camera came to the gigantic Mick Nolan, Lou said: "and have a look at big Mick Nolan, 'the Galloping Gasometer'. You need a roadmap and a waterbag just to walk around him".

The whole family just lost it, and I remember us wondering what they made of that comment in Saudi Arabia.
Vale, Louie the Lip.

- Steve Shanahan, Sydney NSW

Drinks in the World of Sports dressing room were unforgettable

Together with four other guys, I was one of the World of Sports 'Beat The Champ' quiz men in summers between 1964 and 1976.

After the show was over, all involved would adjourn to the dressing room where Gordon, Lou's barman from the Phoenix Hotel, was charged with ensuring nobody's beer glass was ever empty.

Talking with those sporting legends was unforgettable. Fantastic memories.

- Fred Ford, Blackburn Vic

A coiner of nicknames

[I loved] his nicknames for players. 'The Macedonian Marvel' for Peter Daicos. 'Lethal' Leigh Matthews. 'The Flying Doormat' for Bruce Doull, 'the Galloping Gasometer' for Mick Nolan, 'the Flying Dutchman' for Paul Van De Haar … and the list goes on.

I was too young to see him play, but he was a great commentator who brought fun and a light heartedness to the sport.

- Michael Langlois, Sunnybank Qld

Dusting Collins St on his hands and knees

I will always remember Lou as one of the greats in our game. He was the real kiss of death.

I remember he once said, if the Magpies lose this game I will dust Collins Street with a feather duster. And he did, on hands and knees.

What a man he was.

- Ted Drew, Coffs Harbour NSW

Rowing Billy Goggin across the Barwon

Besides World of Sport on Sundays, and League Teams, Lou was the voice of footy for me in the 1970s and '80s.

I can still remember him rowing Geelong coach Billy Goggin across the Barwon River.

Thank you Lou Richards, you are a legend.

- Darren Ward, Geelong Vic

There was nothing better than watching Lou and the gang every Sunday

[Loved the] Sunday Footy Show, especially Lou's handball segment. Can we bring this back?

There was nothing better than watching Lou and the gang on every Sunday, and in his memory we should all remember to be more like him.

- Gabriel Garivaldis, Caulfield North Vic

Piggybacking 'the Galloping Gasometer'

My favourite memory of Lou? Piggybacking Mick 'the Galloping Gasometer' Nolan on the steps of the North Melbourne Town Hall after a bet with Jack Dyer.

My first reaction on hearing of his passing? Like I felt when John Lennon died. A large chunk of my youth has now been taken away.

Rest in peace, Lou. Hate Collingwood but always admired you and what you stood for.

- Phil Rowan, Banyo Qld

• Victorian government offers Richards family state funeral
• Read the AFL statement on Lou Richards
• Watch Gillon McLachlan's tribute