Tributes from close friends and Walker Flat locals over the tragic death of Donald Neil Kerley

June 29 was already a sad day for Neil Kerley’s family before his tragic death in SA’s Murraylands.

June 29 is a date that is now cripplingly tragic for Neil Kerley’s family.

In a cruel twist of fate, the football legend died on the same day as his son, Donald John Kerley, who passed away three years ago from lung cancer.

Kerley died about 5.30pm on Wednesday, when he suffered a medical episode behind the wheel of his car.

He was just 4km from home when he lost control, crashing through a fence into a paddock on Mallee Rd in Walker Flat.

About half an hour later, police arrived at Kerley’s Sprinkler Drive home to tell his wife of 67 years, Barbs, the devastating news.

The 88-year-old – known as “King Kerls” by football fans – leaves behind a daughter, Gail, and grandson, Campbell. His other daughter, Robin, died of a heart attack.

On Thursday, just hours after the tragedy, close friends gathered to share stories of their famous mate at Kerley’s beloved Swan Reach Golf Club, home to “Kerls’ Corner” on the first hole.

Neighbour David Whitbread said Kerley had been chopping fire wood just before his death.

“He asked me to go with him but I said no because I had something to do,” Mr Whitbread said.

Friends of Neil Kerley, David Whitbread, Des Whyte, Don Thomson and Stuart Wilkinson, sharing a red and recounting some of their fond memories at the Swan Reach Golf Club. Picture: Dean Martin

Ted Kerley looks at photographs of his brother, football great Neil Kerley at the West Adelaide Football Club. Picture: Emma Brasier

“I had a call late yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon from Barbie (Kerley’s wife) a bit worried because he hadn’t come home and it was getting dark.”

Friend and fellow club member Des Whyte said Kerls’ Corner – at the end of the Riverland club’s first hole – marked the spot where Kerley had tripped and broken his hip.

“Somebody got the bright idea of naming it Kerls’ Corner, and there’s a sign down here,” Mr Whyte said. “There was only one Kerls.”

The passionate sportsman and former West Adelaide legend had been integral to rebuilding the Swan Reach Golf Club, helping to attract new members.

“He was the most motivated man I’ve ever come across, he got us off our backside, he got us to tidy the place up and get it running well,” Mr Whyte said.

“Much like his football career, he was a motivator, he was non-stop, energetic, made us do things we’d normally walk past. He was always volunteering. If there’s a job to do he’s there first thing, and if you’re not he’s wondering why.”

Kerley was hands on at the club, cooking chicken wings once a month for members and starting the Boxing Day “Walker Flat Challenge”, which attracted dozens of players.

He hated the cold, and was always first to light the club fire. His mate, Don Thomson, even installed a personal oil heater in their buggy to keep Kerley’s fingers warm.

Neil Kerley with his son Donald.

Neil Kerley and wife Barbara at the 2019 Australian Football Hall of Fame Dinner in Melbourne. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

“He was good value, good to be around, and never made himself to be above anyone else. He was one of the boys,” Mr Whyte said.

“He will be missed, badly.

“We knew it (his death) was coming, we just didn’t know it was going to be so soon and in such unexpected circumstances.

“He privately told me his time was coming and he wanted to go before Barbie (his wife) so he wasn’t alone.”

Reflecting on his friendship, Mr Whitbread said his mate was kind and generous, and had a “perfect” mind – still sharing stories from his footy days.

“He’s got the longest fingers I’ve ever seen, but they went in all different directions,” Mr Whitbread said.

“He was well-loved, and a significant contributor. He was the sort of man that if you weren’t doing a good enough job, he’d push you out the way and do it himself.”

Mr Whitbread said Kerley loved living a simple life at Walker Flat and enjoyed living off the land, hunting rabbits and ducks as well as fishing – and always sharing what he caught.

His friends said their mate was “absolutely” deserving of a state funeral ­­– a consideration being made by Premier Peter Malinauskas.

Glasses will be raised at the Swan Reach Golf Club this Saturday night, when a minute’s silence will be held.