Former Fitzroy full-back and Brisbane Lions Life Member Bob Henderson sadly passed away over the weekend, aged 85.

Wearing the Number 23 throughout his entire career, Henderson played 137 senior matches with the Club from 1953-62 and ever the consummate defender, kicked just the solitary goal.

He played three Finals matches under Len Smith in 1958 and 1960, with the 1960 Preliminary Final rated as a career highlight.

Henderson was also a member of Fitzroy’s 1959 Night Premiership and was awarded Club Life Membership in 1962. 

The call of the Fitzroy jumper proved strong as he returned to the Club as a committeeman for three years and then as Assistant Coach to Kevin Rose for another three years from 1975-77. 

“Then and now the Fitzroy jumper means everything to me. It is very special,” Henderson was once quoted as saying.

And so it was partly fitting that his passing coincided with the Club’s Hall of Fame celebrations last weekend, when his beloved Fitzroy guernsey was once again on show.