Western Bulldogs legend Charlie Sutton has been remembered as a fierce, physical competitor on the field and a selfless gentleman off it.
All current Bulldogs players, the eight surviving members of the club’s 1954 premiership team and footy fans of all ages were among hundreds gathered at a public memorial service for Sutton in Melbourne on Friday.
Sutton, the captain-coach of the club’s only team to win a VFL/AFL premiership, died last week aged 88.
Current player Robert Murphy recalled how, as a scrawny, nervous teenager, he met Sutton for the first time after a training session at Whitten Oval.
Sutton’s handshake was like a poem, he said; one that held the weight of history in its grip.
Reflecting on a line in the club’s theme song which talks of “the sons of the west”, Murphy said Sutton had been the Bulldogs’ father figure.
“Last week a football club lost its father, and as sons of that club, we are in mourning,” he told the crowd at Etihad Stadium.
Club president David Smorgon, flanked by Sutton’s No.6 jumper, his ashes and the Bulldogs’ 1954 premiership cup, said Sutton’s work ethic, team-first mentality and fierce loyalty would live on at Footscray.
“Charlie understood that persistence separated the winners from losers,” Smorgon said.
Smorgon said Sutton’s attitude and toughness on the field – despite his 163cm height – were best embodied by his famous slogans, “shop early, avoid the rush”, “hit ’em hard and hit ’em often”, and his direction to teammates ahead of their victorious grand final against Melbourne: “Leave the heavy stuff to me, you just get out there and play footy.”
A video tribute saw current Bulldogs Daniel Giansiracusa and Matthew Boyd tell of a tough, selfless, genuine bloke who led men.
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.
Former Bulldogs captain and club games record holder Brad Johnson said it had been a privilege to wear the No.6 jumper during his playing career, saying he felt “a part of Charlie in it” every time he pulled it on before a game.
One of the Footscray’s most decorated figures, Sutton was voted its coach of the century, and the club’s best and fairest medal is named in his honour.
Sutton was also the club’s president from 1978-81 after a playing career which spanned 173 games from 1946-56.
He is a member of the AFL Hall of Fame.
The Western Bulldogs will pay further tribute to Sutton at Sunday’s clash with Port Adelaide on Sunday, with players to wear black armbands and a minute’s silence to be observed.
