TO SAY the football world was saddened at the news of Geoff Leek's death on Thursday is to understate the grief his loss brings and the number of people who loved this gentle giant.

Geoff played 191 times for Essendon between 1951 and 1962, the grand final of that year being his last game. It was also his greatest moment.

With John Nicholls in rampant form for Carlton, Essendon needed a mighty performance from its main ruckman and vice-captain, but Geoff injured an ankle at training on the Thursday and was in grave doubt.

With his ankle injected with pain killer, not only did Geoff play but he took the honours over the Blues' champion.

He was named high among the Bombers' best in their premiership win.

Subsequently he worked in the media, excelling as a commentator with Channel Nine and later with ABC Television.

Before I left Tasmania to join the ABC's Victorian office in 1979, I had often heard what a champion bloke Geoff Leek was (I found it hard to believe of someone who had been instrumental in Essendon beating Carlton in a grand final).

For once, though, the reality exceeded the billing. To work with Mustafa, as we called him, was always a pleasure; to simply be in his company was unfailingly a joy.

His death, three days after his 76th birthday, will be most painfully felt by Wendy, his partner of 39 years. Thousands who have known him as a footballer and as a man are grieving with her.