Essendon Football Club has been deeply saddened by the sudden passing of former player and respected media commentator Geoff Leek, who died today aged 76. Leek – a 194cm ruckman - played 191 games for Essendon between 1951 and 1962, kicking 98 goals and playing in the 1962 Premiership.

The football world referred to Leek as the “gentle giant” – a reflection of his great character and sportsmanship, according to former Essendon player and administrator Barry Capuano.

“Geoff was an extremely popular man amongst his peers and always had a joke to tell. All players from his era will be shocked and saddened by his sudden death,” Capuano said today.

“Geoff was considered a very awkward player in his early years, but through sheer perseverance he became a top ruckman and was an integral part of the club for many years. Geoff also had a distinguished career in the media, and particularly in TV, following his football playing days.”

Leek joined Essendon from Preston Boys Club, a team he played for from 1946 to 1949. He joined the thirds in 1950, after being cleared by Collingwood to whom he was residentially bound.

When he joined the seniors in 1951, nobody would have predicted that the awkward giant would turn out to be such a star. He was a great team man and he gave his rovers an armchair ride with his clever and controlled palming from the packs. His only fault was his unreliable kicking, although he normally covered good distances with his left foot. He had remarkable quickness for his size.

He starred in the 1962 premiership win after being doubtful an hour before the game with an ankle injury.

Capuano said not many people are fully aware of the story that unfolded prior to that Grand Final.

“On the Thursday night at training prior to the 1962 Grand Final, which was to be Geoff’s last game, he badly twisted his ankle and was considered very doubtful to play,” Capuano recalled.

“The selectors at the time gave him every opportunity of playing on the basis that he must pass a fitness test prior to the game. Geoff had pain killing injections in his ankle and was already dressed in his playing gear, prior to the test, just before the game.

“The test was to kick a medicine ball under the watchful eyes of the selectors, and Geoff grimaced somewhat after his first timid kick, and was requested to kick the ball harder.

“The second kick was somewhat harder but still not to the satisfaction of the selectors, and he was requested to kick the ball as hard as possible otherwise he was out of the side.

“Geoff gave the ball a solid kick and was then declared fit to play. The selectors were never aware that Geoff was kicking with his non injured leg! He played a great game and was amongst the best players.”