Abe had told my uncle Keith to bring me down to the entrance to the club room just under the grandstand and wait for him to open the door. I was 12 years old and the wait seemed interminable but after the team had been spoken to by the coach, Abe, true to his word, opened the door and ushered me in.
There I was, a young kid surrounded by his heroes. They were all there, larger than life--Baldock, Stewart, Murray. The atmosphere in the rooms was as intense as the smell of sweat and liniment was overpowering. Abe took me over to meet my hero, Cowboy Neale.
He was a mountain of a man and beloved by all St.Kilda supporters. He had incredible charisma and despite his huge frame, he could soar to take a spectacular mark and when he did so, the crowd used to roar, "Ride 'em Cowboy." He was so exciting to watch from the stand but being up so close to him now I was simply awestruck. I remember the scene as if it was yesterday. Cowboy was only wearing a towel and had a cigarette in one hand and a can of beer in the other.
Abe introduced us and Cowboy smiled and asked me if I had enjoyed the game. I said yes and asked him if he had enjoyed it. He laughed at being questioned like that by a kid but responded honestly that "it was a good one to play in but I'm tired now." I just thanked him, and of course, Abe Isaacs, and left with a vivid memory that thrills me to this very day.
John Efron
Berkeley, California, USA
