Legendary photographer’s iconic footy photo was almost ruined

It’s one of the most memorable images of our game. But this incredible shot of Alex Jesaulenko’s 1970 mark was almost missed — all because of a box of Minties.

Clive Mackinnon with his photograph of Alex Jesaulenko's iconic mark over Graham Jenkins in the 1970 Grand Final between Collingwood and Carlton.

Legendary The Sun photographer Clive Mackinnon captured one of the marks of the century in the 1970 Grand Final between Collingwood and Carlton.

But it almost didn’t happen.

In those days, photographers had one split-second chance to capture just one frame each.

Mr Mackinnon, shooting for The Sun, was seated with Bruce Howard, for The Herald, and Dennis Bull, for The Age, high up in the grandstand.

The moment captured — just in time.

Just before the crucial moment, Mr Bull offered a Mintie each to Mr Howard and Mr Mackinnon, but the latter realised Carlton’s Alex Jesaulenko was closing in on the ball.

“I noticed Jezza getting a bit excited as the ball started coming back his way,” Mr Mackinnon later told the Herald Sun’s Matt Stewart.

“I told Dennis, ‘Don’t be stupid, of course I don’t want a mint,’ then decided to take one, then I looked up and yelled out, ‘Look out, the ball’s coming back!’”

Mr Mackinnon clicked just as Jesaulenko rose above Graeme Jenkin, his hands outstretched about to mark the ball, and the other two clicked a split second later.

“Can you believe it? If I hadn’t yelled out I’d have had the picture all on my own,’’ Mr Mackinnon said.

“As it was, we all got this amazing picture.’’

Over the years, Mr Mackinnon photographed hundreds of famous faces including Jean Shrimpton, Don Bradman, Jack Brabham, Jack Dyer, John Landy, Cliff Young, Pat Cash, Bob Hawke, Raelene Boyle, Dennis Lillee and Bill Lawry.

Richmond's Jack Dyer wearing a 1902 Premiers cap and holding a Brownlow Medal in his eye socket in 1982. Picture: Clive Mackinnon

Brothers Lou (left) and Les Lambert, the last surviving brothers from the Anzacs who fought at Gallipoli, with the statue of Simpson and his donkey in 1986. Picture: Clive Mackinnon

Mackinnon, 89, died this week after a heart attack.

Former colleagues and friends yesterday remembered Mr Mackinnon, who worked for The Age for 23 years then The Sun for 22 years, as the “king of his craft”, a great mentor, and legendary character.

Mr Mackinnon, who lived in Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula in his retirement, was still taking photographs and using a darkroom he had fitted out in his home.

TAA air hostess uniforms through the decades shown in a 1970 photo. Picture: Clive Mackinnon

Pat Cash after he was defeated by Stefan Edberg in the 1987 Australian Open final. Picture: Clive Mackinnon

“Without doubt he was a great photographer in the times when photographers were really something,” he says.

“He competed against the best and more than held his own on every occasion.

“He was just a remarkable person. He loved taking pictures, he loved good pictures, and he loved the people who took good pictures. Therefore he became great company.”

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