Every club needs someone like Dudley Phillips - an individual who knows everyone, is involved in a multitude of activities, and has an unquestionable dedication to a cause.

For Dudley Phillips, who passed away on Friday morning at the age of 91 after a long stretch of illness, the Melbourne Football Club was home, clan and stage, with the MCG at its heart.  The MCG would not have been the same without his presence, and his small storage cupboards scattered around the ground pre-reconstruction and modernisation.

 Whether selling his infamous raffle tickets, helping out as an MCG tour guide or lurking around the ground causing general mischief, not many hearts beat more truly for the red and blue than Dudley's.  It was this way for more than half a century. While he may once have been a Tasmanian based fan with Richmond leanings, Dudley - who served with the Army in World War Two, making the rank of Corporal - was soon directed towards Melbourne, and remained that way ever after. Contributing towards fundraising and social committees from the 1950s, he was made a Life Member of the Club in 1974, and was named Supporter of the Century in 2000. In other recognition, he was named as an ‘Unsung Hero’ of the Club in 2008, and is one of a handful of those honoured by the MCC with a Certificate of Merit for his services.

Names of past greats were as much part of Dudley’s conversation as current team members. Norm Smith, John Beckwith, Noel McMahen - all gained a ‘one of the best’ from Dudley, whose love of the Club was unwavering, as were the doubts regarding the distribution of his raffle prizes, once stashed in hessian bags, long before the generations of plastic.  Dudley was a viewing platform to the past, whether from the change room door or liberating small change from supporters for his raffle, which raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Club over the years, while generating immeasurable goodwill.

Living in Richmond, Dudley would catch the tram to the Club offices and the magic of the MCG, and could often be found by assorted Club staff members standing at the side of Bridge Road, pork pie hat on head, surrounded by bags.  Offering him a lift - which was always gratefully accepted - was cue for the ultimate compliment (interspersed with driving advice).  Being told by Dudley that ‘you’re on the team’ was something special.  In his world of nicknames and catchphrases, this equalled high regard.

While Dudley struggled with ill health in recent years, he will remain part of the Club canvas forever.  ‘Dudley’s Raffle’ is still a valued part of match day proceedings, and those who will feel his loss spans the entire spectrum of the sporting community.

All at the Melbourne Football Club share the sorrow of those who knew and loved Dudley, and take comfort from the fact that he has created stories and memories to last generations.  Dudley Phillips, you will always be ‘on the team’.