By Zach Hope and Michael Gleeson
AFL titans past and present are paying tribute to St Kilda legend Danny Frawley, who died on Monday afternoon in a single-car crash near Ballarat.
Frawley died at the scene when his car hit a tree at Millbrook, 20 kilometres east of Ballarat, about 1.30pm on Monday. He was the only person in the car.
The father of three turned 56 on Sunday.
Former St Kilda player and ex-Richmond coach Danny Frawley.
The Age understands Frawley's immediate family has been told of the tragic news.
Frawley, who grew up on a potato farm, earning him the nickname "Spud", was one of the game's most revered figures for his talent as a player and coach. He later captured a new generation of fans through his work as a radio personality and commentator with Triple M, Fox Sports, SEN and the Nine Network.
He was also popular as a speaker, where he would share stories of leadership, men's health and his battles with depression and anxiety.
Frawley played 240 games for St Kilda before leading Richmond to a preliminary final as coach in 2001. St Kilda called in staff for a meeting late on Monday afternoon.
President Andrew Bassat said the club was still coming to terms with the news.
“We are incredibly saddened by Danny’s death,” he said on the club's official website.
“Our thoughts are with Anita, and daughters Chelsea, Keeley and Danielle, and we will do whatever we can to support them in the days, weeks and months ahead.
“Danny will be remembered as one of St Kilda’s greatest-ever players and a dear friend to so many at the football club.
Danny Frawley at Richmond training in 2004.Credit: Vince Caligiuri
“He was a larger-than-life character, a generous and warm personality, and a favourite son who has left an indelible mark on St Kilda.
“Danny was an active member of our Past Players’ Committee and a much-loved champion to our thousands of supporters.
“We share our grief with them.”
Frawley was a respected backman who captained the Saints for nine seasons. He also wore the cherished 'Big V' jumper in state of origin contests 11 times.
The 1988 All-Australian and Saints Hall of Fame inductee recently told The Age that he was interested in coaching AFLW after being inspired by a stint at the helm of his daughters' suburban footy team, Old Haileybury.
Former Richmond captain Wayne Campbell said his former coach was an infectious personality and a charismatic figure who drew people to him.
“He was an incredible man, the energy he had, no matter where he was he would have 40 people around him because of his infectious personality and his ability to tell a story," Campbell said.
“He was the essence of a true leader because people were drawn to him and followed him.
“The ability to tell stories has become the popular thing in coaching and he was a great storyteller. He was a great leader, a great captain and a great coach.
“He was a relationships coach, as a player he took us under his wing, me, Knighter, Richo there were so many people who looked up to him, he was a great man.”
AFL chief executive Gill McLachlan offered his condolences to the Frawley family and his friends and colleagues.
“Danny’s loss will be taken very hard by so many people within our industry, as well as within our own organisation,” McLachlan said.
“Danny was passionate about footy and passionate about people. He made such a positive and lasting influence on so many in our game.
“He was a friend to all at the AFL and everyone in the wider football community. ‘Spud’ was loved by all, always a popular visitor to AFL House and our thoughts are with Anita, Chelsea, Danielle and Keeley.
“On behalf of the AFL, I would like to express my deepest compassion to the Frawley family, friends and colleagues.”
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews described Frawley as a legend of the game.
“Danny Frawley described himself as a simple spud farmer who'd made his way in the big smoke. Of course, he was so much more than that," Mr Andrews said.
"Captain. Coach. Best and fairest. All-Australian. Legend of the game. Tonight, we're thinking of Danny’s family, friends and fans.”
In the past 13 years, Frawley endeared himself to a younger audience as part of the football entertainment show The Bounce on Fox Footy, striking up a jocular chemistry with former Hawthorn champion Jason Dunstall, Geelong and North Melbourne premiership player Cameron Mooney and basketball champion Andrew Gaze.
Danny Frawley takes a coaching clinic at Bungaree Football Oval.Credit: Ballarat Courier
He spent two seasons at Hawthorn in 2008 and 2009 as a part-time assistant and was a part-time defensive coach for St Kilda in 2014. His nephew, James Frawley, is a Hawthorn premiership player.
Frawley was from Bungaree, near Ballarat, and made his senior debut with St Kilda in 1984.
Police at the scene of the crash in Millbrook.Credit: Nine News
Colleague and friend Gerard Healy told 3AW that Frawley was "a decent man above all else".
"Spud did it all," Healy said of his playing career. "Post his football days be became a big personality in the media ... always happy to play the clown but at his very core he was a serious football person.
"Most importantly, Danny was a devoted husband to Anita, a very, very proud father to Chelsea, to Danielle and to Keeley. Girls, we can't possibly know your pain or devastation or the loss you feel right now. But do know this: We loved and admired your dad for being a very decent man above all else.
"An entertainer, a confidante and a friend to many, but a very decent man."
Former player Andrew Krakouer, who has endured tough times in his life including a period in jail, remembered his ex-coach as the man who backed him in when others didn’t.
“R.I.P mate. You gave me my first opportunity to play AFL. You took a punt on me, when no one else did. You were so supportive and always there for me and my family. I’m forever grateful. Condolences to Anita, Chelsea, Keeley and Danielle. Gone way to soon. R.I.P Spud” Krakouer wrote.
AFL Legend Kevin Bartlett also paid tribute, tweeting: “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Danny Frawley. A work colleague over the years and valued member of the All-Australian selection committee. Wonderful player, captain, finals coach and much loved media performer. My grandkids loved the Golden Fist award on The Bounce. RIP Kb."
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