Tom Hafey's funeral Daniel Cherny
The Age
May 19, 2014 - 5:20PM Football legend Tommy Hafey was farewelled in a moving funeral on Monday at the MCG.
The service began with MC Eddie McGuire welcoming those in attendance. "Tommy Hafey didn't have time to fear death, he was too busy living life," McGuire said, the four premiership cups won by Hafey's Tigers acting as an appropriate backdrop. Hafey's coffin lay next to the podium, draped in Tiger skin.
Hafey's granddaughter Samantha then sang 'Dream a little dream' for the mourners as a montage of Hafey's life was shown.
Hafey's brother Peter detailed the master coach's life growing up in East Malvern and his schooling at Melbourne High, before reminiscing about all that Hafey did in his respective coaching jobs. Post-coaching, Peter described Tom as having "loved sportsman's nights" and helping clubs in the community. "He spoke to schools, he spoke to prisoners, he spoke to corporate people," Peter Hafey said, emphasising how his brother's message of positivity could resonate across society.
Peter also read out an emotional letter that Tom had received from a schoolgirl who aborted a planned suicide after listening to Tom's inspirational words at school.
It was then the turn of Hafey's daughters, Rhonda, Karen and Joanne then spoke about life with their father. Not surprisingly, physical activity outdoors and cups of tea were recurring themes. As proud as they were of their father's footballing achievements, they were prouder of all he did for them personally.
Tom's grandchildren recounted their own experiences with Hafey, including his hours spent watching Test cricket in his bathers at Sorrento. "Tommy lived his life to the full. Let his passion never be forgotten." said grandson Max.
Kevin Bartlett, perhaps the most famous of 'Hafey's heroes' provided no shortage of humorous anecdotes from a famous bond spanning half a century. Bartlett described how Hafey loved to tell schoolchildren of footballers who had recovered from being cast aside at their first club yet lachieved premiership success later in their careers, preaching the importance of persistence. Hafey was always looking for a new challenge, "to read twenty new books this year," or "to eat at ten new restaurants."
Finally, Michael Green, another of Hafey's former charges, recited the Lord's Prayer.
Eddie McGuire then thanked all those for attending, as the casket was taken on a final lap of the MCG.
Hafey's family led all of those of his players in attendance, and finally the current Richmond playing list out onto the ground. They circled the boundary line to provide a guard of honour for Hafey's casket as it was taken around the oval, with the Richmond theme song blaring over the loudspeakers.
The flags atop the scoreboard were flying at half-mast as the service was broadcast live for the public to watch on the ground's big screens.
There was no shortage of fans wearing club colours, predominantly yellow and black, but so too black and white, and even those wearing the colours of Essendon, Sydney and others.
Earlier, fans stopped to remember all that which was great about Hafey while making their way into the ground.
Jeff was a member of the Richmond cheer squad during the club's golden era in the 1960s and 1970s. He says Hafey will be "remembered both as an immortal of Richmond and an immortal of the game."
Lorraine, a Melbourne supporter draped her in club's scarf emphasised Hafey's healthy approach to living, describing him as "inspirational in keeping everyone fit and active."
Georgia heard Hafey speak at her school eight years ago, and came to pay her respects to "a great man and legend of Richmond."
Rod met Hafey during his time in Sydney, and described how Hafey helped with his development as a junior football coach. "I love the man," he said.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan fronted the media and highlighted Hafey's leadership qualities, and his work in the community. McLachlan spoke of Hafey's remarkable "zest for life".
''It's fabulous it's here and it's amazing to see people walking down the hill into the ground, obviously lots of football lovers - Richmond faithful and others,'' McLachlan said.
''It's great to be able to celebrate Tom here today ... he treated everyone at face value, he was enthusiastic, smiling and looking forward to every day of his life.
''He had an extraordinary ability to link the community with the game.''
McLachlan said the league had discussed a lasting tribute to Hafey internally and would do so with the Tigers and other clubs ''at the right time''.
The MCG's famous Long Room will host a private wake.
Read more:
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/updates-from-tom-hafeys-funeral-20140519-38jae.html#ixzz32910GJ5i
