Michael Barlow on his dad Herb…
What makes your dad a good bloke?
His general approach to life is a very laid back one. He recognises the need for hard work and dedication to what you want to do, but he enjoys everyday life and always wants what’s best for his kids and mum, rather than himself.
What’s your favourite memory of your dad while growing up?
Being one of five kids, we used to travel a lot for sports and going to watch different games of footy, just because we could. There was a lot of one-on-one time travelling between country towns around Shepparton. A little game we used to play, was if we went through a little town we had to guess what their footy team was called. We basically got to all of the country footy clubs around Shepparton when we were younger, so that’s a memory we talk a lot about still.
What’s the best gift you’ve given your dad?
I took him to the Brownlow in my first year, he enjoyed that and I think that’s the best gift I’ve been able to give him.
If your dad was part of the team, where would he play and which teammate would he be most similar to?
He’d play somewhere he didn’t have to run much. I haven’t seen him break into a stride, he’s got dodgy knees and calves. In the modern day he wouldn’t get a game, but he used to be a good center half-back, so put him in Luke McPharlin’s body for a game.
What trait of your dads are you glad you inherited, and which ones are you glad you didn’t?
Probably again, going back to his goodwill and nature. He’s been able to teach me the importance of putting people first and the importance of inclusiveness rather then exclusiveness. I’m glad I didn’t inherit his inability to drink red wine. He really likes to drink red wine, but when he has a few he breaks into sneezes, so I’m glad I didn’t inherit that.
How much of an influence did you dad have on your footy career?
He had a massive involvement in not only my sport but in my brothers and sister’s sporting involvements. He coached us during the juniors, and it was something to be really proud of. He was always really hands on, and saw the opportunity to help and get involved. The memories of him being involved in my sports, and not just me but my other siblings, whether it be footy, cricket or netball. Whatever we did, he’d be there supporting and would always have a hands on approach to it.
What’s your Fathers Day message to your dad?
I’m just really blessed to have had him as an influence on my life and I’m so proud to have him as my dad. I look forward to extended periods of time where we can catch up and relive some of those childhood things we used to do together. I couldn’t be prouder to have him has my dad and I’m so thrilled and stoked, in some way to have taken some of his traits. I will never stop learning from him. He has always been my idol and always will be.
Herb Barlow on his son Michael…
What makes your son a good bloke?
He’s got plenty of good traits, and he is just an easy guy to be around, that’s probably what makes him a good bloke.
What’s the nicest thing he has ever done for you?
Too many to mention, there has been plenty. He is always doing nice things for everyone.
What’s your favourite childhood memory of him?
Going and watching his sport together. He was always a good kid to be around.
What would you consider to be his greatest achievement to date?
Just growing to be the good person that he is.
What trait of yours are you glad he inherited?
There probably isn’t too many, but probably his love of being involved in sport.
If his footy career was to come to an end tomorrow, what would you say to him?
He should be very proud of what he has achieved.
