Mourners flock to honor legendary Geelong footballer's funeral
GEELONG, Victoria - Geelong Football Club legend Bob Davis, was escorted to his final resting place yesterday by his relatives, friends, and colleagues at Saint Mary of the Catholic Church, a funeral that became the town's biggest and most dramatic yet. Davis, who was 82 years old, passed away last May 16 due to health complications but his legacy continues as tributes flood in to honor his name.
Nicknamed as the Geelong Flyer, Bob Davis started his career at the Geelong Football Club in 1951 when he played for the Cats. His determination and perseverance showed ahead of his talent as he used to bike for 35 kilometers just to attend practice. On 1958, football's golden age in Australia, Davis became the captain of Victoria, Geelong and the coveted All-Australian squad. Davis ended his playing career as he became the coach of the Cats in 1963, and was dubbed "the last non-thinking coach" of the team.
The funeral was lead by Catholic priests and an Anglican deacon who all had high praises for the football legend. One mentioned that Davis is a man who had an "enjoyment of life", and that he was a "very open and friendly man" who is always ready to give "such wonderful things to other people". According to his players and colleagues, he is forever immortalized by his quirky yet humble philosophy, which is evident in his famous catch phrase: "Fair dinkum, unbelievable!"
Other influential Australian Football Club members attended the funeral, as well as local and national politicians, and public figures who all joined fifteen hundred fans and mourners - some coming from the farthest side of the country. Ex-Geelong president, Frank Costa, was one of them, honoring Davis' memory by thanking the man for his efforts and influence in making the game as best as it can be for the country.