I happen to live 2 doors down from the Stone family and they have been treasured friends of my family and all those on our street since we have known them. Growing up with Robert Stone's children as a youngster, I would often find myself at their house having Robert throw me into his pool in a humorous attempt to teach me to swim. We all have very fond memories of Robert in our street in Yarrawarrah. He was a kind compassionate man who looked out for the other neighbours. As I look out my front window now I see a parade of cars coming to pay their respects to Robert, which gives a good indication of the great effect that he had on people. We are all very saddened by the news.
I visited the Stone family with my mother last night to offer our best wishes. His wife Anne and family by his side. He looked very peaceful and Anne jokingly remarked that she expected him to jump up at any momment and yell "Sucked in, I had you going didn't I?"
For he was a strong man with a big heart.
- RobertSz - 2 August 2005

And whilst the 1977 GF replay is an obvious standout, I'll try my best to descibe what I thought was his best home and away game, which was at the back end of his career.

Last Round 1983. Saints were nowhere midway through the year with a big injury toll. But they rattled home to win their last 7 or so home and away games straight.

In this last Round they played eventual premiers Parramatta at Kogarah. The house full sign went up about an hour before kickoff, such was the magnitude of the occassion. Saints had to win against Parra who were running second. They were 2 points out of the top 5, with Easts holding fifth spot. Easts had to be beaten by Souths, and Saints had to win for there to be a playoff for fifth the following Tuesday night. No for and against differential separating fifth back then.

Saints came out pumped from the outset and absolutely smashed Parra all over the park. They were ably led by two oldhand ex backrowers playing prop, Robert Stone and John Jansen. Craig Young had a season ending injury many weeks prior, and Stoney had basically taken on his role of leading from the front - with great success.

In this game Parra had two big older forwards in Geoff Bugden and Stan Jurd, and a great young in form prop called Paul Mares who had been cutting them up for weeks. Every time he got the ball early he was smashed by Stoney. And if Stoney didn't get there in time he'd make sure he got there late - even real late. He gave away a few penalties - but what the heck. The result? Let's just say that all three went missing a bit. They were given a real forwards lesson and Saints won the up front battle thanks to Stoney, JJ and Chris Walsh.

But better still midway through the second half, Saints were up 20-2 and whilst comfortable, the crowd knew one more try and it was over. Stoney went into dummy half about 10m out pushing away Johnny Dowling, took a scoot with the ball, threw a giant dummy that fooled David Liddiard and Steve Sharp, straightened up and plowed over the line carrying two defenders. The crowd went mad with about 10 or so jumping the fence and running onto the field trying to embrace Stoney, who in turn was being embraced by teammates. Game over. Just as a sidelight Johnny Dowling gave the Parra players the 2 fingered salute as they were gathered behind the tryline.

By this time word had got around the ground that Souths were giving Easts an absolute bath, so it was party time on the hill with everyone buzzing. Fulltime and the crowd couldn't contain themselves, with what seemed like thousands of fans charging onto the ground to embrace the Saints players. I can clearly recall the Parra players and referee running for their lives. Some of the Saints players did the same, but the forwards just hung around savouring the win with the fans. Stoney was in there somewhere.

A great day indeed, and history shows Saints went on to beat Easts on the Tuesday night, and then backed up the following Saturday to knock Balmain out of the semis. Three massive wins in the course of six days - and they reckon they do it tough these days. Unluckily knocked out the following week 24-22 by Canterbury with plenty of dubious refereeing decisions thrown in - a sign of things to come.

That 1983 team laid the platform for the great 1984/1985 sides who both should have won comps. And that platform was laid by Stoney and co.
- SmithtownSaint - 2 August 2005

I have little doubt what will be on the players minds before the game tomorrow night, the black arm bands on for Stoney. There will be real emotion for this one.
- Ribs - 4 August 2005

A few days later, a large basket filled with Saints gear lobs at the doctors office with a note attached saying that it was for the little boy from the waiting room a few days before.

PURE CLASS.
- Dragons-Is-Their-Brand - 2 August 2005

It was explained, when Robert got sick, this is what Stoney and his famiy said out loud every night. I don't think you have to be religious to get something out of it. Thanks to RobertSZ at leagueunlimited.com for the transcription.

A prayer for today
Everyday we need you, Lord, but this day specially. We need some extra strength to face whatever is to be. This day more than any day we need to feel you near, to fortify our courage and to overcome our fear. By ourselves we cannot meet the challenge of the hour. There are times when human creatures need a higher Power - to help them bear what must be borne And so dear Lord, we pray - hold on to our trembling hands and be with us today.
- Rex C Hunt - 9 August 2005