AMONG many giants of the Melbourne Football Club, Noel McMahen stands proud as one of the  greatest Demons.

Mike Sheahan spoke to the highly regarded Premiership Captain in 2020 for the final episode of the Legacy Series, two years before his passing in 2022.

His recollections of the 1948 season and legendary coaches Checker Hughes, Allan La Fontaine and Norm Smith are an invaluable link to Melbourne’s most successful period ever.

When remembering the men who shaped his playing career, McMahen explained his relationship with the trio .

“Checker was like a father to me. When he finished, he stayed on the committee and really looked after me,” McMahen said.

“Checker made me…in my early years.”

McMahen explained Melbourne’s golden period between 1948 and 1964 was built on the foundations laid by La Fontaine.

“[There was a] change of coach…La Fontaine took it over and cleaned everything out. He had three years and set it all up…he was a very intelligent man.

“He should be credited for what Norm Smith was able to do later.”

McMahen’s relationship with Smith was less genial, but there was mutual reverence between the two men.

“Norm Smith…respected me and I respected him,” McMahen said.

“I was disappointed not to be made Captain the first time (in 1954), but he made me Captain the second time (in 1955).”

Later in his life, McMahen and Smith enjoyed a closer relationship.

“He came and visited me in Rochester…I thought it was a wonderful effort,” he said.

“Those things don’t last…You grow up.”

McMahen made the decision to retire from VFL at the end of 1956, having captained the side to another Premiership.

“I came to the end of my playing ability when I was 29…my legs were getting tired,” he said.

The move from Melbourne to country Victoria was fruitful for McMahen, who enjoyed a successful career and legacy as a Captain-Coach in Rochester.

“I drained myself…country football was much slower so I could fit into that,” he said.

With a first-class coaching education from some of the games’ biggest names, McMahen led Rochester to Premierships in 1958 and 1959.

When reflecting on his own career in the red and blue, McMahen was modest about his outstanding abilities.

“I was a fairly good player…a middle of the road player. I was Captain because of my leadership and who I am. The leadership ability was a little bit stronger [than the playing ability].”