AFL world rocked by sudden death of ‘universally loved’ coach Dale Tapping, aged 59

The AFL world is in shock after the ‘universally loved’ coach passed away on Tuesday surrounded by his family.

Recently appointed Essendon VFL senior coach Dale Tapping has tragically died aged 59 following a battle with cancer.

The football veteran passed away in hospital on Tuesday surrounded by family.

Tapping was first diagnosed with myeloma, a form of blood cancer, two years ago.

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As a result, the 2016 VFL coach of the year stepped away from his role midway through the 2023 season to focus on his health and treatment before returning to play a key role in leading the Bombers’ forwards in 2024.

Last October, Tapping was appointed Essendon’s VFL coach after shining in his role as the team’s forward coach.

However, his health rapidly deteriorated after Christmas and he was placed in intensive care last week.

Dale Tapping sadly passed away on Tuesday, aged 59. Pic: Michael Klein

In a statement on Tuesday, Essendon president David Barham said Tapping was a “man of impeccable character’’ and “universally loved”.

 “He has left a lasting impact on the Essendon Football Club and across the broader football community and will be remembered as a selfless individual whose passion and care for people and the game was evident in everything he did,’’ Barham said.

While Essendon coach Brad Scott paid tribute to his friend and colleague.

 “Dale was an outstanding coach, but his true legacy lies in the profound impact he had on players and staff personally. His dedication to their growth – both on and off the field – along with his genuine love for seeing people succeed, were qualities admired by all.

“It was a privilege to have coached with him, and his legacy at the club will endure through the players and staff he mentored throughout his career. Dale will be deeply missed by the AFL industry and everyone at the Bombers. Our thoughts are with his wife Kellie, and children Summer and Mason, who have shown incredible strength throughout this difficult time.”

Dale Tapping pictured with his daughter Summer Tapping.

Tapping had also previously overseen Brisbane’s midfield for five years as a trusted adviser to Chris Fagan.

Following news of his passing Fagan said: “I met Dale at a Leading Teams leadership seminar in 2016. I immediately admired his enthusiasm and love for coaching and AFL football. 

“A few months later I was appointed coach of Brisbane. I knew the job was going to be tough and that I would need resilient and positive people around to help get the team back on track. 

“Dale was exactly the type of person and coach that we needed so I gave him a call and he and his family agreed to come. He was just as I thought he would be during his five years of service, and he influenced our progress significantly. 

“We were disappointed when he and his family moved back to Melbourne but were also totally thrilled with the contribution he made. He was a fantastic football person, a super coach, a great Dad to Summer and Mason and husband to Kel. We will all miss him dearly.”

Tapping worked in football for more than 28 year and was VFL Coach of the Year in 2016 while at Collingwood.

He began his coaching career at local level with roles at Old Brighton and Old Scotch in the VAFA and worked at the Brisbane Lions before joining the Bombers.

And players that had played under Tapping took to social media to pay their respects.

Former Hawks player and Carlton AFLW coach Daniel Harford wrote: “This is unbelievably sad. Tapps was one of the absolute good guys in footy and a brilliant coach, mentor and friend to many. Nothing but love to his family and friend.”

While former Collingwood VFL player Alex Woodward wrote: “One of the greatest I’ve ever met. Shattered. Rest in peace my friend.”

Tapping’s wife, Kellie, and children Summer and Mason survive him.

The news of Tapping’s passing comes as the AFL world is left reeling by another death on Tuesday, with the family of Troy Selwood announcing the former Brisbane Lions star has died at the age of 40.

- with NewsWire