Page 567 - History of Parkside Football Club (1897-2017) Editied Version Completed_optimized

Parkside Football Club 1897/2017

1999

On the eve of the 1999 season Parkside Football Club was grief-stricken over the loss of Parkside
football legend, Geoff Rees.

Magpies Mourn a Champion

By Steven Milne

“Legendary Parkside footballer Geoff Rees had all the skills.

His disposal was immaculate on both sides of the body.

And he was rarely collared by an opponent, his dodging skills making him one of the most evasive
players in the FDFL during his illustrious career.

Rees loved kicking goals for his beloved Magpies, too.

"Whenever he was within range of goals, he never passed it," a club insider said with a laugh.

Parkside's 1981 A1 premiership coach Bryan Dalton described his former star player as a "real match
winner".

"He was a dominating centreman," he said. "Every club knew him, every club respected him."

Rees was revered by the Magpies, the club's games record holder (358), dual A1 premiership player
and best and fairest winner, and a great mate to many.

"He was an all-round good bloke, a terrific mate," Dalton said. "He was very popular with his mates
at Parkside. He just enjoyed his mates."

Dalton said the Parkside Football Club remains "shattered, absolutely devastated" following Rees'
sudden death last month (February 24).

The footy hero was just 48. He had collapsed while playing indoor cricket a few days earlier.

Rees is survived by his wife, Chris, and daughters Lauren (20), Riana (19) and Kirby (14).

More than 400 family members and friends farewelled Rees at a moving funeral service at the Tobin
Brothers chapel in St Albans on March 1.

One of Rees' favourite songs, Meatloaf's "Bat Out of Hell", was played during the service.

A who's who of Parkside stalwarts were among the mourners. They included Tony Fox, Gordon
Casey, Bob Turner, Brian Moore, Brian D'Arcy, Rod Crook, Rod O’Connor, Bryan Dalton, Lindsay
Murphy, John Crouch, Jack Engwerda, Leo Daglish, Ron Fraser, Peter Bishop and Mick Rochford.

Rees was cremated at Memorial Park in Altona North.

Once a Parksider, Always a Parksider