AFL great Danny Frawley killed in car crash
The AFL community is mourning the death of former St Kilda player and Richmond coach Danny Frawley after he was killed in a car accident in Victoria.
He was 56.
Frawley died after his car hit a tree at Millbrook, near Ballarat, about 1:30pm on Monday afternoon.
He was the only person in the car.
Frawley played 240 games for the Saints after being recruited in 1984 from Ballarat where he was working as a potato farmer.
He captained the side from 1987 to 1995.
Frawley was awarded the club’s best and fairest in 1988, the same year he was awarded All Australian honours.
He was later inducted into St Kilda’s Hall of Fame in 2007.
Frawley became head coach at Richmond in 2000, taking them to the finals in 2001.
He was eventually sacked in 2004 before taking on assistant roles at Hawthorn and back at his beloved Saints.
Frawley also went on to forge a career in media.
In a statement, St Kilda President Andrew Bassat says the club is heartbroken
“We are incredibly saddened by Danny’s death,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with Anita, and daughters Chelsea, Keeley and Danielle, and we will do whatever we can to support them in the days, weeks and months ahead.
“Danny will be remembered as one of St Kilda’s greatest ever players and a dear friend to so many at the football club.
“He was a larger-than-life character, a generous and warm personality, and a favourite son who has left an indelible mark on St Kilda.
Image: St Kilda FC
“Danny was an active member of our Past Players’ Committee and a much-loved champion to our thousands of supporters.
“We share our grief with them and we will endeavor to provide an opportunity for them to share their own personal tributes in the coming days.”
AFL CEO Gill McLachlan has expressed his condolences to the Frawley family and his colleagues.
“It is a devastating day for the wider football community, and Danny’s loss will be taken very hard by so many people within our industry, as well as within our own organisation,”McLachlan said.
“Danny was passionate about footy and passionate about people. He made such a positive and lasting influence on so many in our game.
“He was a friend to all at the AFL and everyone in the wider football community. ‘Spud’ was loved by all, always a popular visitor to AFL House and our thoughts are with Anita, Chelsea, Danielle and Keeley.”
Was hoping the news that was coming through a few hours ago was a mistake. Thoughts to Danny Frawley’s family & his close friends. He was always fun to be around and put so many smiles on so many faces over the years. Sad day for football lovers. #ValeDannyFrawley
— Peter Helliar (@pjhelliar) September 9, 2019
Absolutely devastating news on Danny Frawley.
Thoughts go out to all family and friends.
A champion bloke and an immeasurable impact on so many in the footy community through his playing, coaching & broadcasting.#RIPSpud 💔
— Jude Bolton (@Jude_Bolton) September 9, 2019
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Danny Frawley.A work colleague over the years and valued member of the All Australian selection committee. Wonderful player , captain,finals coach and much loved media performer. My grandkids loved the Golden Fist award on The Bounce. RIP Kb
— Kevin Bartlett (@KevinBartlett29) September 9, 2019
