17 Facts About Geoff Leek

Geoff Leek was an Australian rules footballer who played with Essendon in the VFL from 1951 to 1962.

Geoff Leek was selected as a reserve for his first senior game for Essendon.

Geoff Leek took a long time to develop, playing only six senior matches in 1951, and five in 1952.

Geoff Leek played in the highly talented 1952 Essendon Seconds Premiership team that beat Collingwood Seconds 7.14 to 4.5.

Geoff Leek eventually went on to play 191 senior games for Essendon, and score 98 goals in his senior career.

Geoff Leek was a beautiful palmer of the ball; and towards the end of his career, as Leek's skills and knowledge of ruck play developed, and he learned how to cooperate with ruck-rover Hugh Mitchell, and as he took over the responsibilities of the first ruck from John Gill, the club's fortunes began to rise as a real force.

Geoff Leek was selected in the Victorian representative team that played four matches in the Australian National Football Council's Centenary Carnival held in Melbourne in 1958.

Geoff Leek completely nullified Carlton's John Nicholls, and paved the way for Essendon's victory.

In fact it was only thirty minutes before the game that it was decided that Geoff Leek could take his place in the team.

Geoff Leek 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 Leek grimaced somewhat after his first timid kick, and was requested to kick the ball harder.

Geoff Leek gave the ball a solid kick and was then declared fit to play.

Geoff Leek had served on the Essendon Football Club's committee in 1957; and was made a Life Member in 1960.

Geoff Leek was the permanent vice-captain of the senior team from 1957 to 1962, and was acting captain on thirteen occasions.

Geoff Leek was a highly respected and well loved radio broadcaster over many years, as well as being a panellist on Channel 9's Sunday Football Show, and on the ABC in a similar role.

Geoff Leek served as a member of the VFL Complaints Committee.

Geoff Leek died suddenly, at home, on Wednesday 21 February 2008, having just celebrated his 76th birthday on the preceding Monday.