Geoff Leek - 1962 Grand Final

1962 Grand Final

Having played in two losing grand finals (1957 Grand Final Team and 1959 Grand Final Team) Leek was finally in a winning team, the 1962 Grand Final Team against Carlton. This was his last game for Essendon. He completely nullified Carlton's John Nicholls, and paved the way for Essendon's victory.

He almost didn't play at all due to an ankle injury — he was in doubt even half an hour before the match — and he took to the field having had a series of pain killing injections. According to Maplestone (1996, p. 193):

supporters were given another scare when top ruckman Geoff Leek injured his left ankle towards the end of training on the Thursday night before the big game. In fact it was only thirty minutes before the game that it was decided that Leek could take his place in the team.. After an examination the night before, the club doctor still believed that Leek would not be fit enough to play. And he was vital to the Dons' chances. It was only after a two mile walk on the morning of the game that it seemed that he would be able to play. But, even then he was dosed up with pain killing injections before taking the field.

In 2008, team-mate Barry Capuano revealed the full story:

"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."