of the Melbourne cinema The State Theatre on the corner of Flinders Street and Russell Street (now known as the Forum Theatre) measured the height of the ten tallest VFL players. Geoff Leek was officially declared to be the tallest: at 6'4½" he was half an inch taller than the next 8 tallest players, Denis Cordner of Melbourne, Kevin Easton of North Melbourne, John Gill of Essendon, Brian Gilmore of Footscray, Jack "Chooka" Howell of Carlton, Tom H. McLean of Melbourne, Bill McMaster of Geelong, and George Swarbrick of Geelong (all of whom were 6'4"), and an inch taller than Colin Thornton of North Melbourne, who was 6'3½". Renowned for his courage and dedication as a player, his fine character as a man, and his overall good sportsmanship, he was known throughout the football world as "the gentle giant". 1962 Grand Final Having played in two losing grand finals (1957 Grand Final Team and 1959 Grand Final Team) Leek was finally in a winning team, the 1962 VFL Grand Final Team against Carlton. This was his last game for Essendon. He completely nullified Carlton's John Nicholls, and paved the way for Essendon's victory. He almost didn't play at all due to an ankle injury – he was in doubt even half an hour before the match – and he took to the field having had a series of pain killing injections. According to Maplestone (1996, p. 193): In 2008, team-mate Barry Capuano revealed the full story: Essendon Football Club Leek surprised all at Essendon when he announced his retirement prior to the 1963 season. He had served on the Essendon Football Club's committee in 1957; and was made a Life Member in 1960. He was the permanent vice-captain of the senior team from 1957 to 1962, and was acting captain on thirteen occasions (four in 1957, two in 1959, one in 1960, five in 1961, and one in 1962). Post-football media He was a highly respected and well loved radio broadcaster over many years, as well as being a panellist on Channel 9's Sunday Football Show (1963–1972), and on the ABC in a similar role (1973–1987). He also served as a member of the VFL Complaints Committee. Death He died suddenly, at home, on Wednesday 21 February 2008, having just celebrated his 76th birthday on the preceding Monday (18 February 2008). Notes References Maplestone, M., Flying Higher: History of the