AFL players, family and friends farewell ex-Melbourne player Colin Sylvia at Mildura funeral

FORMER Demons player Colin Sylvia has been remembered as a rare talent who could turn a game in 10 minutes, at his funeral service in Mildura. His family say Sylvia was no angel, but he had been turning his life around recently.

IT was a fiery round nine showdown against the reigning premiers Hawthorn in 2009 when Colin Sylvia put his mark on the game.

Four freakish goals, 37 possessions, three Brownlow votes and the adoration from Melbourne fans who, in this blonde-haired, blue-eyed bloke from Merbein, found themselves a cult hero.

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Speaking to hundreds of people gathered for Sylvia’s funeral today, former teammate Brent Moloney said that was the moment he too realised his mate was a star.

“I remember how the crowd would rise when he launched his attack on the footy, burst from a pack and kick a goal from 60 metres,” Moloney said.

“He could turn a game on its head in 10 minutes.”

And he did, of course.

Brent Moloney and Colin's father, Craig lead the pallbearers out of the service. Picture Jay Town

Nathan Jones arrives at Colin Sylvia's funeral. Picture Jay Town

Colin Sylvia's funeral in Mildura. Picture Jay Town

Sylvia became a trailblazer for the Dees and ultimately a midfield target for opponents wary of his ability to tear them down on hallowed turf.

“He was the most talented player I had ever come across,” Moloney said.

“He could do anything on the field — run, jump, sprint — you name it, Col could do it.”

Sylvia died last week after a car accident in Mildura. It would have been his 33rd birthday on Thursday.

But for all the accolades, family members who spoke at his farewell, weren’t about to sugar coat it.

Sylvia was no angel, they said. But who really is?

Brent Moloney delivers the eulogy. Picture Jay Town

Colin Sylvia's funeral in Mildura. Picture Jay Town

Melbourne players at the funeral. Picture Jay Town

Colin Sylvia's funeral in Mildura. Picture Jay Town

His exploits off the field during his 163-game career landed him in trouble with authorities but things were looking up after he called time and headed home.

If Sylvia had found purpose on the footy field, his family were adamant he’d stumbled onto a sense of peace coming back to where it all began.

After 12 years focusing on himself, he was making up for lost time with his family.

Past and present AFL stars including David Neitz and Nathan Jones were among mourners at the service which showcased the rise of the young star, who emerged from the ranks at Merbein Football Club.

In a statement, former player and coach Mark McCarthy recalled his surprise at spotting Sylvia ripping up the footy field in the Under 11s.

He was ushered into the senior squad by the time he was 14, quickly becoming a linchpin in the club’s success.

But it was, to some, his actions following the squad’s first premiership win in more than 20 years that exemplified his core values.

Colin Sylvia's funeral in Mildura. Picture: Jay Town

As the Magpies grand final celebrations stretched into the night, Sylvia retreated to the stomping ground of the rival team, so he could console a mate he’d played against.

“It summed up the character of the lad,” McCarthy said.

Family members said Sylvia’s passion for the game was closely matched by his love for music and impromptu dancing.

In recent months he had wowed his partner Mindy with a surprise trip to Halls Gap.

Mum Lynne recalled an infant who had emerged feet first and had been full on from the beginning.

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Long time mate Mark Duscher recalled their exploits as teenagers and how, determined not to miss a boys trip to Adelaide, Sylvia once scrawled a note for his mother alerting her to his whereabouts — and a plea for cash in his account.

Sister Kasey Sylvia admitted being quietly chuffed with the notoriety as her brother’s career flourished.

“I was known as Colin Sylvia’s little sister,” she said.

“I secretly loved it.”

They didn’t always get along, she said, but they had bonded over their shared love for her three children.

She could still see her brother reflected in them, especially her eldest, Oscar.

“With his piercing blue eyes and temper to match, people are always commenting,” she said. “Now I hope he is with us through him forever.”