Footballing royalty, past and present players and hundreds of fans have gathered in Melbourne for a public memorial for Western Bulldogs legend Charlie Sutton.

Sutton, the captain-coach of the club’s only VFL/AFL premiership team in 1954, died last week aged 88.

Club president David Smorgon and current player Robert Murphy – flanked by Sutton’s No.6 jumper and the Bulldogs’ prized 1954 premiership cup – were among speakers set to eulogise his life at the service at Etihad Stadium.

In a video tribute, current Bulldogs Daniel Giansiracusa and Matthew Boyd told of a tough, selfless, genuine bloke who led men, both on and off the field.

The nuggety back pocket player embodied the club’s fighting spirit, they said.

Former board member Graham Sherry told of Sutton’s unique ability to be respected without being pretentious, and confident without being arrogant.

“It was a humbling experience to be with Charlie,” Sherry said.