Vale Henry Robert “Bob” Allkin

The Mayne Football Club would like to acknowledge the passing of arguably their oldest player in Bob Allkin, who passed away on 10 April, at the wonderful age of 96. 

Bob played for Mayne from 1943 to 1955, proudly wearing the number 8.  He played 87 senior games in a very strong era in the Tigers history with the seniors winning  premierships in 1943 and 1952 and the reserves in 1943, 1950, 1953 and 1954. Bob was a builder who travelled extensively at the time and was unfortunate to miss out on making one of these premiership sides, but it is very clear he was a dedicated and valuable member of the playing group over this extended period.

Bob had two sons, Rob and Kevin who both followed in their father’s footsteps with a passion for the Tigers. Rob played for Mayne in the late 1970's and early 1980's, while Kevin played a valuable role in the Reserves from 1997 to 1999, and again in 2001 and 2002 when the club needed every loyal Tiger who was prepared to suit up with the club struggling for survival and at its lowest ebb. 

Evidence of the passion that Bob had for the Tigers was forever evident as he regularly attended games even in his later years, always available for a story of times gone by, but there is no greater tribute than the fact that he named his two sons after two of the Tigers greatest players of the fifties in Bob and Kevin Poppleton.

Kevin recalls his father reminiscing about the ferocious nature required to be a Mayne Tiger and how opposition supporters railed against the regularly successful club with chants of “dirty Mayne” and other perhaps less polite criticism, something many old Mayne players will recall. It was always with a laugh and glint in his eye.

A service will be held on Tuesday 22 April at 10am at George Hartnett Metropolitan Funerals, 21 Anzac Parade, Redcliffe. All are welcome. A gathering in the Koko Lounge at Mon Komo (Cnr Marine Parade and Anzac Ave, Redcliffe) will follow from 11am for nibblies and drinks.

The Mayne Football Club wishes to express their deepest condolences to Bob, Kevin and all of their family and friends at this time of loss.