FORMER Melbourne captain Todd Viney says his respect for the game and the Melbourne Football Club was born from playing one season with the late, great Robert Flower.

Viney, now the club’s manager of player personnel, said Flower was a great role model and had a massive impact on his career – although they played just the one season together in 1987.
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Robert Flower tributes from melbourne greats:

Todd Viney | Steven Smith | David Neitz | Russell Robertson | Playing highlights
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“We were great mates … he was just a modest and humble champion,” he said.

“He always had time for people and he always smiled and laughed.

“You won’t find anyone having a negative thing to say about him.

“He just touched a lot of people and I was lucky enough to play one year with him – my first year and his last year.

“He’s had such an impact on my life.”

Viney said if Flower wasn’t the best player he had seen “he was in the top two”. He added he was “a lover, not a fighter” and never stepped over the mark.

“He’s been a great player … he’s right up the top from my point of view – the artistry he played with,” he said.

Viney said he was in shock when he heard of Flower’s passing.

“It took everyone off guard,” he said.

Viney said it was “unfathomable” that Melbourne had “lost so many great people” in recent years.