Local footy mourns loss of EDFL and Strathmore legend Craig Hille

The Melbourne local footy community is rallying around the family of an EDFL legend who died suddenly several weeks ago. Here’s how you can help.

Craig Hille has been remembered for his significant impact on local footy. Picture: TRAVIS MCCUE

The Melbourne local footy community is rallying around the children of Strathmore legend Craig "Scar" Hille who died suddenly several weeks ago.

Family and friends have started a fundraiser for Hille’s sons, Harry and Jack, since their father’s death.

“After a long and courageous battle with his inner demons, Craig tragically lost his life, leaving his sons to face their future without him,” the GoFundMe page said.

“Craig was the kind of person who would always lend a hand to anyone in need—friends, colleagues, acquaintances, or families going through tough times.

“Known for his selflessness and unwavering reliability, he was someone people could always count on.

“A proud and generous man, Craig built a thriving local business through sheer hard work and determination. He gave so much to his community and to the Strathmore Football Club, which he held dear.

“Now, it’s our turn to give back to Craig’s boys. At such a pivotal stage in their lives, Harry and Jack need support to provide them with stability, opportunities, and hope as they navigate life without their dad.”

The fundraiser will help support the teenagers with their education and daily needs.

You can donate here.

EARLIER

Strathmore legend Craig “Scar” Hille has been remembered for his outstanding contribution to local football after his sudden death.

Memories of Hille’s influence on the Essendon District Football League powerhouse have been shared in recent days after Strathmore revealed the devastating news.

A post on the Mores’ club website titled “The Craig Hille Story” details the rise of one of the club’s “all-time greats” after he arrived in 1978 when he was 10.

Throughout his junior development, Hille emerged as a “very good player” and eventually made his senior debut in 1983, when he could have been playing under-16s, against West Coburg at Lebanon Reserve.

Hille was invited to play in Essendon’s under-19 side under Ken Fletcher and played in the Victorian Teal Cup side alongside guns including Stephen Silvagni, Mark Bayes, Garry Lyon and Ron McKeown.

His time at the Bombers continued for another couple of seasons, even captaining the U19, before he chased a chance in Collingwood’s reserves at Victoria.

At 19, he returned to Strathmore for 11 games which saw him win the competition’s A-Grade best-and-fairest.

In 1989, Hille was appointed as a young captain and helped lift the club’s third premiership of the 1980s before leaving the club through a period of change in the next couple of years.

1993 saw the Mores’ star move to Sunbury as an assistant coach before coming back to Lebanon Reserve a year later and in 1995 took over as reserves coach.

His future included more stints as differing roles at Strathmore including as a senior and junior coach.

Craig Hille before a game as Strathmore coach. Picture: ROBERT MCKECHNIE

One person paying tribute remembered the impact he had.

“A fearless and dedicated competitor who we all admired both on and off the field. It was an absolute privilege to have called you a mate for 40+ years, as well as a SFC premiership teammate who witnessed your greatness first hand as a player week after week. Your legendary football prowess will leave an indelible legacy upon those who played both with and against you,” they said.

Another person wrote: “A big reason Strathmore is a top tier football club. You made everyone you coached a better player and person.”

Hille spent the 1997 season as East Keilor’s senior coach with the Cougars posting their own tribute.

“The club was fortunate to have Scar as its senior coach in 1997, bringing a high level of professionalism and fitness to the playing group,” the club wrote.

Airport West posted its own tribute, the club said: “Craig was not only a respected competitor on the field but also a friend and acquaintance to many within our club across many years. His passion for the game and dedication to his team will always be remembered.”