Football world in mourning after sudden death of long-time AFL administrator Ray Gunston

The football world is in mourning after the sudden death of long-time AFL administrator and interim Essendon boss Ray Gunston.

The football world is in mourning after the sudden death of long-time AFL administrator and interim Essendon boss Ray Gunston.

The father of three-time Hawthorn premiership forward Jack Gunston had a heart attack on Tuesday morning at his Southbank home at the age of 64.

AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan paid tribute to Gunston, who was nicknamed ‘The Wall’ at AFL House because of his inability to say ‘yes’.

Gunston was survived by wife Mandy, daughter Kate, granddaughter Scarlett and son Jack.

Footy and horse racing were among Ray Gunston's passions.

“His work ethic was prodigious and his working day diet famous, surviving on plain Saladas and chewed fingernails,” McLachlan said.

“Ray was an extremely valued member of the AFL Executive in the time he worked at AFL House, with both his ability to lead and complete major projects, and for his strong values and ethical framework in how he conducted himself,” McLachlan said.

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“He was a valuable mentor to a range of leaders across our industry and it was my privilege to both work with him, and to count he and Mandy as friends.”

Gunston was parachuted into the Bombers at the height of the supplements saga in May, 2013 after chief executive Ian Robson quit mid-season.

Ray Gunston with his son Jack. Picture: Supplied

He helped oversee the appointment of coach Mark Thompson for the 2014 season and was a key figure in the club accepting its penalty from the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute.

Gunston joined the AFL in July, 2015, as general manager of finance, corporate and major projects.

Previously, he was chief financial officer of the Tatts Group.

AFL Commission chairman Richard Goyder also paid tribute to Gunston’s service at league headquarters.

“His legacy contributions included the acquisition of Marvel Stadium and raising a credit facility during Covid that helped the industry get through it.” Mr Goyder said.

“Ray was also a proud footballing father, attending Jack’s matches for Adelaide and Hawthorn and not being able to sit still in his seat, he was often seen pacing around the stadium concourse during those matches.”

Gunston also held executive roles with Westpac, Price Waterhouse, Aluminium Smelters of Victoria, Southern Cross Austereo and the Victorian Government.

He was a non-executive director and Chairman of Sigma Pharmaceuticals, Hotel Property Investments and Melbourne Stadiums Limited. He was also a non-executive director AFL Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades.

Ray and Jack at his 60th birthday. Picture: Supplied

Hawthorn released a statement late on Tuesday offering its condolences to the Gunston family and noted Ray’s big presence at the club.

“He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who never missed one of Jack’s matches.

He was an important part of the Hawthorn family and our thoughts are with Mandy, Jack and Kate and those close to them at this time.”

Gunston was a star for EDFL powerhouse Strathmore, playing in the 1984 premiership team. He lined up for Brunswick in the VFA from 1979-81.

He was also a huge horse racing fanatic.

He was a part owner in this year’s $5m Golden Slipper winner, Fireburn.

Gunston led the filly into the winner’s circle after her win in the big race only four months ago.