Collingwood legend Des Tuddenham found a special way to pay tribute to one of his great mates as Melbourne stormed to its first flag in 57 years. Here’s how he did it.
If residents of Port Melbourne thought Collingwood legend Des Tuddenham made an unusual sight on grand final day, it was all done in honour of his late mate Frank “Bluey” Adams.
When the siren sounded to end the epic 1964 VFL grand final, with Collingwood four points down, Tuddenham swapped his No. 30 with that of the No. 6 worn by his Melbourne mate Adams.
And it was in that same Demon jumper that Tuddenham proudly watched Melbourne win this year’s crown, sadly without Adams after he died two years ago.
“I would like to return that jumper to his family,” Tuddenham said.
TIGER GREAT DECLARES DUSTY THE GREATEST EVER
Triple Richmond premiership player Barry Richardson didn’t think he would live to see a better Tiger than the quartet he played with from 1967-74.
Royce Hart, Ian Stewart and Francis Bourke would be named at centre half-forward, centre and wing in the AFL Team of the Century, with Kevin Bartlett a five-times best and fairest (three in premiership years) and a five-time flag winner.
But Richardson, 75, who also coached the Tigers and became club president, has seen enough from Dustin Martin to rank him No. 1 in yellow and black.
“I never thought I would say that in my lifetime given I played with Royce Hart, Francis Bourke, Ian Stewart and Kevin Bartlett, but name one player in the history of the game who has consistently played better in big games than Dusty?” Richardson said.
“As great as they were, all of Wayne Carey, Gary Ablett Snr and Leigh Matthews had a few quiet finals. I’ve never seen Martin play a bad final, or even remotely near it. Probably his worst was against Collingwood in the 2018 preliminary final.
“There have been some absolute superstars in my time but not all of them have been ultimate team men like Martin. He has the vision of Ian Stewart or Greg Williams, the disposal efficiency of Gary Ablett Jr and the strength of any midfielder to have played the game. Plus he doesn’t miss when he has to kick a vital goal.”
Richardson’s views on Martin are part of a Hardie Grant book titled The Story Continues: Dustin Martin (RRP $39.99).
THE VIEWS OF THE LEGENDS
“If I picked the best six players I have ever seen, then Dustin Martin is in that group.”
Triple Brownlow medallist Bob Skilton
“How well he’s played in three grand finals separates him from virtually anyone.”
Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend Leigh Matthews
“He’s become so good you feel you are privileged being able to see him play.”
Australian Football Hall of Famer Chris Judd.
Originally published as Ando’s Shout: Des Tuddenham’s special tribute to Melbourne great Frank ‘Bluey’ Adams
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