Cancer claims genial North giant

[giantroo]

Cancer claims genial North giant

Paul Daffey | May 28, 2008

MICK Nolan, a genial giant who became one of the most popular players in the history of the North Melbourne Football Club, died in Brisbane last night after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 59.
Nolan was a ruckman who had an unusual combination of bulk and subtlety. With a playing weight of more than 120 kilograms, his stomach hung over his shorts. But his deft tapwork to rover Barry Cable played a significant part in the success of the glamorous teams at Arden Street in the 1970s.
Nolan's appeal was his lack of glamour. He was earthy and smiling, and lumbered with good grace his nickname "the Galloping Gasometer". The nickname was derived from the gasometer that stood across the road from the North Melbourne footy ground.
In 1973, Nolan came down from Wangaratta Rovers, having played 100 senior games there. More than once, he missed practice matches in March so that he could return home for the annual duck-shooting weekend on the Ovens River.
Nolan played 100 games at North Melbourne, and was a member of the club's first premiership team in 1975. He missed out on playing in the 1977 premiership team because of a shoulder injury.
Last month, Nolan was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer. Just over a week ago, the diagnosis was changed to pancreatic cancer. He died last night at Princes Charles Hospital in the Brisbane suburb of Chermside, surrounded by family members, including wife Nettie and sons Dale and Danny. His eldest son, Ricky, was to arrive tomorrow from Sweden.

 

[theduckfan]

Cancer claims genial North giant

Paul Daffey | May 28, 2008

MICK Nolan, a genial giant who became one of the most popular players in the history of the North Melbourne Football Club, died in Brisbane last night after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 59.
Nolan was a ruckman who had an unusual combination of bulk and subtlety. With a playing weight of more than 120 kilograms, his stomach hung over his shorts. But his deft tapwork to rover Barry Cable played a significant part in the success of the glamorous teams at Arden Street in the 1970s.
Nolan's appeal was his lack of glamour. He was earthy and smiling, and lumbered with good grace his nickname "the Galloping Gasometer". The nickname was derived from the gasometer that stood across the road from the North Melbourne footy ground.
In 1973, Nolan came down from Wangaratta Rovers, having played 100 senior games there. More than once, he missed practice matches in March so that he could return home for the annual duck-shooting weekend on the Ovens River.
Nolan played 100 games at North Melbourne, and was a member of the club's first premiership team in 1975. He missed out on playing in the 1977 premiership team because of a shoulder injury.
Last month, Nolan was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer. Just over a week ago, the diagnosis was changed to pancreatic cancer. He died last night at Princes Charles Hospital in the Brisbane suburb of Chermside, surrounded by family members, including wife Nettie and sons Dale and Danny. His eldest son, Ricky, was to arrive tomorrow from Sweden.

Cancer is such a harsh disease to cop, its just cruel.
RIP Mate, and condolences to his family

 

[CrazyQ]

Man, that sucks.

RIP Mick.

 

[BlueRoos]

terrible news. Condolences to his family and mates, Mick will be fondly remembered by all Shinboners.

 

[NICK_ROOBOY83]

Man, that sucks.

RIP Mick.

In deed. It was only yesterday we found out about it & the next day gone.

RIP Mick.

 

[conwaynmfc]

Terrible. RIP Mick.

Even worse that Ricky and Mick missed the final moments together.

 

[Bigeasy]

Sad sad news. One of my favourites of all time. Loved the big bloke.

 

[bornaroo77]

RIP you mountain of a man! A man that when you meet him once you never forget it.....a true shinboner!

 

[Mr Reliable]

Terry Wallace paid Big Mick a tribute this morning on SEN. Said he played against him in the 78 GF and had seen him several times on his trips up north.

Mick was the consummate team player. Initially he often co-rucked with Barry Goodingham and later on with Crackers. He was very much the gentle giant on the ground (which is how I knew him).

I cannot imagine there would be one NM supporter who did not LOVE Big Mick Nolan.

RIP Mick.

 

[Archer_11]

Rip

 

[aussie86999]

Just thought i would come on and pay my respects to the great man . I used to watch him play against us and he was a true character and remarkable athlete for his size and a great guy. A sad loss to football and AFL QLD .

R.I.P

 

[Limerick]

R.I.P. Mick

 

[Whippet1]

Sad to hear. The big man once scared the life out of me when as a kid I watched North games at Arden street in the 70's on the fence in front of the Social club and he came charging at the fence after being bumped off balance in a ruck contest. I thought he was going to come straight over the top and crush me and my sister. Fortunately he stuck two big mitts out to stop himself from going over, turned around and lumbered after the ball.
R.I.P Mick.