Kevin “Cowboy” Neale, one of St Kilda’s most beloved players, has died

A hero of St Kilda’s one and only premiership victory back in 1966 has sadly passed away, the club has confirmed.

AFL legend Kevin “Cowboy” Neale in a 1973 elimination final against Essendon.

St Kilda premiership hero and Team of the Century member Kevin “Cowboy” Neale has died at the age of 78.

Just a day after the confirmation of the passing of AFL legend Ron Barassi, the footy world is mourning the death overnight of another all-time great.

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Neale, who was a key member of the Saints’ one and only flag from 1966, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018.

St Kilda released a statement on Sunday confirming Neale’s passing.

AFL legend Kevin “Cowboy” Neale in a 1973 elimination final against Essendon.

Kevin "Cowboy" Neale (left) alongside another former Saint, Bill Cannon.

“St Kilda Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Kevin “Cowboy” Neale,” it wrote in part.

“The 1966 premiership hero died overnight at the age of 78.

“Cowboy was truly a beloved figure at the Saints, not only among his teammates and fans, but by those who worked alongside him at the club long after his playing days.”

At 188cm and 103kg, Neale was an imposing ruckman and full forward who earned a glut of honours during his career.

Kevin Neale (left) with former coach Allan Jeans in 1982: Photo: Herald Sun

Kevin Neale in 1971. Photo: Herald Sun

Also the Saints’ leading goal-kicker in that famed 1966 premiership season, he was a club best and fairest and was named in the back pocket in the club’s Team of the Century.

He would later captain-coach Ainslie in Canberra to four premierships in the ACT and coached Central District in the SANFL.

Kevin Neale was a five-goal hero in the 1966 GF and a St Kilda Team of the Century member but also had a huge impact on Canberra footy, including as captain-coach of the 1980 ACT team that upset Victoria. One of the most beloved Saints. RIP Cowboy 💔🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/WIFuBA3xS6

— Darren W (@manikato888) September 17, 2023

Another AFL/VFL legend gone

Kevin ‘Cowboy’ Neale, an absolute character and a magnificent player

RIP#AFL#Cowboy#RIPpic.twitter.com/HoldYUK7BY

— Punt Road (@punt_rd) September 17, 2023

Neale returned to St Kilda later in his life and worked in marketing and with the Past Players Association.

“Truly a larger than life character in every way, Cowboy was always able to engage with people across various generations,” the St Kilda statement added.

“His health struggles in recent times were well-publicised, and his teammates regularly visited him in Albury as a group.

“Through the difficult times his wife Georgina was always a constant pillar of strength and the club extends its deepest sympathies to her and the Neale family.

“Vale, Cowboy.”