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Richmond legend Michael Roach fighting for his life after heart attack

Richmond Tigers legend Michael Roach is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack and undergoing bypass surgery.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Michael Roach of the Richmond Tigers kicks during a VFL match in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA: Michael Roach of the Richmond Tigers kicks during a VFL match in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Getty Images)

Richmond Tigers great Michael Roach is fighting for his life after suffering a heart attack last Tuesday.

Channel 7 reports the 64-year-old had a stent inserted but then underwent triple bypass surgery.

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Roach experienced some complications post-surgery and he remained in intensive care.

Seven reports doctors were optimistic of working through those issues and Roach’s family was hopeful he could be discharged from intensive care soon.

The heart attack has come as a shock, given Roach was reportedly riding his bike just last week and joins former Richmond teammate and current Channel 7 commentator Brian Taylor for regular walks around Melbourne.

Roach, nicknamed ‘Disco’, played 200 games for the Tigers between 1977 and 1989 and was a key part of Richmond’s 1980 premiership-winning team.

Michael Roach during his playing days. (Photo by Getty Images)
Michael Roach during his playing days. (Photo by Getty Images)
Michael Roach is a Tigers legend. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)
Michael Roach is a Tigers legend. (AAP Image/Joe Castro)

The high-flying forward won two Coleman Medals in 1980 and 1981 and was Richmond’s leading goalkicker seven times.

Roach was inducted into Richmond’s Hall of Fame in 2002.

A mark Roach took against Hawthorn in 1979 is considered one of the best grabs in the history of the game.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-legend-michael-roach-fighting-for-his-life-after-heart-attack/news-story/99b4f9c63e0cdefd31fec61b53193f4a