A memorial service was held yesterday morning at the Religious Centre, Monash University - for Essendon Football Club legend Jack Clarke. Clarke sadly passed away on Monday 3 December after a short battle with cancer. Past and present Essendon greats including Dick Reynolds, Geoff Leek, Ken Fraser, Tim Watson, Reg Burgess, Ian Shelton, Ted Fordham, Simon Madden, Barry Davis, Don McKenzie attended the touching Memorial Service. Olympic champion Ron Clarke spoke lovingly of his brother Jack, followed by a moving tribute from Jack’s son Ian and daughter Susan. Past Essendon Football Club captain and coach Barry Davis delivered the eulogy.

Davis spoke about Clarke’s commitment to fitness and football. He also touched on Clarke’s innovative training and coaching methods – “Jack was definitely ahead of his time. He was the first coach to use a clipboard and diagrams. He also introduced time trials, cut-down footy boots and aimed to incorporate fun into training sessions,” Davis said. The audience were deeply moved by Davis’ tribute to the past Essendon captain and coach.

Also in attendance were past club officials –Ron Evans, Jim Matthews, David Shaw, Colin Stubbs, Greg Sewell and current chief executive Peter Jackson. Robert Shaw represented the current day players and coaches. Unfortunately the team could not be in attendance due to a training camp in Canberra. A number of past players from opposition clubs also attended the service – Bob Rose, Bob Skilton, John Schultz, Thorold Merrett, Keith McKenzie and Neil Roberts. Essendon Football Club chaplain, Alan Dunn concluded the service with prayers.