Geelong and AFL great, Bob Davis, who passed away yesterday, aged 82, was linked to Richmond through his long-time, close association and friendship with inaugural Tiger ‘Immortal’, Jack Dyer.
Bob and Jack, along with Collingwood legend, Lou Richards, were pioneers on Melbourne television with their popular late Thursday night football show ‘League Teams’, which ran for many years on Channel 7.
As I sit here writing this tribute to Bobby, the memories are flooding back of that Thursday night hilarity provided by the three ‘wise monkeys’ - John, Robert and Louie . . .
There would be Bobby, sitting in the middle, trying to keep the show on course, while Lou cracked gags and recited recipes, and Jack was Jack - mangling the English language in his hilarious, inimitable style.
Although Bobby played the straight role to Lou’s joker and Jack’s joviality, he had a mischievous sense of humor as well, and would often bait his two colleagues in the quest to produce more golden banter. To this day, League Teams remains far and away the funniest, most entertaining football show I’ve seen, with Bob, Jack and Lou attaining cult-like status through their Thursday night escapades.
The trio, of course, also were pivotal members of Sunday’s long-running, hugely-successful World of Sport program, with Bobby frequently igniting the friendly rivalry that existed between Jack and Lou, all in the name of entertainment.
When Jack died in August 2003, Bob delivered a superb eulogy at his funeral. He spoke with genuine affection of ‘Captain Blood’, who he had first met on a trip to Sydney for a State match, where Dyer was the Victorian captain-coach.
“From then on, I was Jack’s friend, as everybody was Jack’s friend,” Davis said.
“For all you Richmond people, it is fantastic to have someone of the stature that completely embodies the whole thought of the game . . .
“There isn’t any doubt that together with Lou (Richards), they just made Sunday (World of Sport) . . .”
Bobby then looked over at the priests presiding over Jack’s funeral service, and said: “Excuse me over there Monsignor and the other priests . . .
“Jack has the church to thank for his eternal life. He also will get eternal life from the AFL, from the football.
“Jack Dyer is the name. Jack Dyer is just what AFL football embodies.”
I had the pleasure of meeting Bob Davis a few times over the years, and he was, as everyone who knew him would testify, a true gentleman, with a wonderful passion for our great game.
On behalf of the Club, deepest sympathy to Bob’s family, friends and the Geelong Football Club.
