THE Melbourne Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of club legend Robert Flower on Thursday.

The club offers its deepest sympathies to Rob’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.
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Robert Flower tributes from melbourne greats:

Todd Viney | Steven Smith | David Neitz | Russell Robertson | Playing highlights
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Rob captured the hearts of every Melbourne supporter and was a much-loved favourite son.

One of the club’s greatest players – and one of the all-time greats – Flower played 272 matches and kicked 315 goals for Melbourne from 1973-87. He also captained the club from 1981-87.

A brilliantly skillful and majestic wingman, Flower also played across half-back and half-forward in a decorated career.

Originally recruited from Murrumbeena in 1973, Flower represented Victoria in State of Origin with distinction. He played 15 matches for the ‘Big V’ and led Victoria on three occasions. Flower also played for Australia against Ireland in the 1984 International Rules series.

In 1977, Flower won Melbourne’s best and fairest. He also finished third in the Brownlow Medal in 1979 and 1984.

On three occasions, he topped Melbourne’s goalkicking in 1979, 1983 and 1987.

Flower did not play in a final until his last VFL season in 1987, when Melbourne made the finals for the first time in 23 years.

He played in Melbourne’s stunning wins over North Melbourne and the Sydney Swans, before his final game came against Hawthorn in the famous preliminary final, when Hawthorn’s Gary Buckenara kicked the winning goal after the siren.

After his career, Flower was named in the Australian Football Hall of Fame and in Melbourne’s Team of the Century.

Universally admired in the game, Flower’s legacy will always remain strong at the Melbourne Football Club and the AFL community.

Please leave your tributes to the late, great Robert Flower