North Adelaide has paid an emotional tribute to ex-player Sam De Leonardis who died on Friday
North Adelaide and amateur football club Broadview have joined Crows SANFL coach Heath Younie in paying tribute to former player Sam De Leonardis who died suddenly from “natural causes” on Friday.
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North Adelaide has paid tribute to a “favourite former player” who died last Friday morning.
Sam De Leonardis played 20 league games for the Roosters before returning to his junior Adelaide Footy League club Broadview at the start of last season.
De Leonardis was 25 years old.
Broadview also made an emotional tribute to De Leonardis on its Facebook page, saying he died of “natural causes”.
A statement on North’s website on Monday said the club was “saddened by the passing of one of our favourite former players Sam De Leonardis”.
“Sam was a very popular figure among his teammates, coaches and support staff during his time with us, and will be sadly missed by all,” the statement continued.
“We’re thinking of his family at this very difficult time.”
Broadview said in a Facebook post the club had “lost a champion of not only a player, but an absolute champion of a person’.
“We will always remember you Della,” the Facebook post continued.
“We are sending all the love in the world to your friends and family.
“Rest In Peace #11.
“Our condolences go out to Sam’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
De Leonardis progressed through the junior ranks at North and made his league debut in 2012 against West Adelaide.
During his time at the Roosters, he booted 10 majors, including a four-goal haul against Glenelg during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June 2016 and claimed the best-on-ground medal.
De Leonardis also trained with the Crows state league side under Heath Younie.
After the Crows’ preliminary final loss to Glenelg on Sunday, an emotional Younie, who also coached De Leonardis at under-18 level the Roosters, said he was “hurting”.
“Our coach who I am close to walked away, that was challenging,” Younie said.
“Then a guy who I coached lost his life.
“I’m hurting a bit, it has been a tough week for our footy club.”