AFL giant Robert Walls remembered at moving MCG funeral service

Robert Partitions, probably the most outstanding figures in VFL/AFL historical past, has been remembered as a faithful household man and an inspiring instructor.

Recognized for being a star participant, premiership-winning coach and fearless media performer throughout greater than 40 years, Partitions’s most vital influence got here at residence.

The Australian Soccer Corridor Of Fame member was recognized with most cancers two years in the past and died aged 74 on Could 15 after utilizing Victoria’s assisted dying legal guidelines to finish his life.

Partitions died 19 years after his beloved spouse Erin — the mom to his kids Rebecca, David and Daniel — misplaced her battle with most cancers.

He was buried subsequent to Erin, with one among his eight grandchildren, Ella, additionally close by.

Greater than 600 mourners, a big share of them Australian soccer royalty, paid their respects to Partitions in a shifting service held within the MCG members’ eating room on Thursday.

Eight audio system throughout virtually 90 minutes lined his affect on household, taking part in, teaching and commentary, with love, humour and affection.

However it was Partitions who had the ultimate phrase.

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MC Stephen Gough learn out a four-minute message the Carlton icon had penned earlier than his dying for the precise objective of being learn out at his funeral.

Not even any of his household knew the word was coming.

“I want you to remember the good times — of which there were plenty,” Partitions, who was additionally a revered classroom instructor, had written.

“I indeed have had a fortunate life.”

Partitions signed off with: “Enough from me; goodbye, best wishes and be kind to each other, Wallsy”.

Typically his “own toughest critic”, Partitions would frequently go on his match funds at Carlton to his older sister Annette, if he felt he had not performed effectively.

However the “boy from Brunswick” had a number of good days, taking part in in Carlton’s 1968, 1970 and 1972 premiership groups throughout a 218-match profession on the Blues.

Partitions completed his embellished taking part in profession at Fitzroy, the place he additionally started his illustrious teaching journey in 1981.

Rebecca, his eldest daughter, described Partitions as a caring and loving father.

“I know a lot of you here see dad as a tough, hard man, but really he was a big softie, who was a wonderful girl dad,” she mentioned.

Gough lined Partitions’s Carlton days, first as a participant after which as a coach when he led the membership to the 1987 premiership.

Scott Clayton, who has grow to be a veteran checklist supervisor, performed below Partitions at Fitzroy, after which labored with him on the Brisbane Bears.

“Along with family, Robert has had the greatest influence on my life,” Clayton mentioned.

Michael McLean informed of Partitions exhibiting religion in him on the Bears after being axed by Footscray.

Nicknamed ‘Magic’, McLean broke down on the finish of his speech.

“He never called me ‘Magic’, he always called me Mick,” he mentioned by tears.

“Then he got out of his sick bed, came up and inducted me in the (Brisbane Lions) Hall of Fame (in 2023), and introduced me as ‘Magic’.”

Audio system got a five-minute warning, in reference to the countdown clock the Ten Community used for his or her soccer protection between 2002-11.

Partitions was no fan of the warning that stored viewers, and even commentators, in suspense late in matches.

David Barham, who produced Ten’s protection, referred to as Partitions the chief of their crew who “set the standard for expert commentators”.

Barham recalled Partitions’s criticism of Meatloaf earlier than the American star’s notorious efficiency on the 2011 AFL grand remaining.

Phrase unfold on the MCG Meatloaf would cancel his efficiency as a result of poor climate, so Partitions determined to take purpose at him stay on-air.

“Just tell the Big Loaf to harden up and get out there,” Barham recounted Partitions saying on the time.

“Suffice to say, had it not been for Wallsy, we may not have the Meatloaf memory, something we have all enjoyed talking about for more than a decade.”

AAP