AFL champ Elliot Yeo suffers devastating family tragedy

A West Coast Eagles champion has suffered a devastating loss one day after his team’s loss on the other side of the country.

Elliot Yeo with his family, including Mum Wendy and dad Craig. Photo: Instagram, Ellior Yeo.

Elliot Yeo and his family have been left devastated by the death of the AFL star’s dad, Craig.

The West Coast Eagles premiership winner has spent time away from his teammates this week following Craig’s death, believed to be the result of a long-term illness.

The football club confirmed the tragic news on Tuesday night.

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“The West Coast Eagles send their heartfelt condolences to Elliot Yeo and his family following the passing of his father, Craig, on Monday night,” the club said.

“The club will provide support to Elliot during this difficult time and requests that his family’s privacy is respected.”

The West Australian first reported Yeo did not attend a team training session in Monday.

The 30-year-old was in Melbourne on Sunday to play in his team’s loss to Essendon at Marvel Stadium before returning to Perth with teammates later that night.

Elliot Yeo with his family, including Mum Wendy and dad Craig. Photo: Instagram, Ellior Yeo.

It is unclear if Yeo will return to play in the Eagles’ Round 16 clash with Hawthorn in Perth on Sunday.

It is devastating news for Yeo, who had recently been on a run of sharing exciting personal news.

The footballer and partner Tess Goodbody announced six weeks ago they are expecting their first child in September.

He has made a successful return from serious injuries this year and has featured in 12 games for the Eagles this year.

Elliot Yeo of the Eagles. Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Just last week he made a massive decision about his future to re-sign with the Eagles on a three-year contract extension.

Yeo had reportedly been chased by Victorian clubs to leave the Eagles, but he and Goodbody are staying put.

The pair became engaged last year.

“It’s only fitting,” the two-time All-Australian said after re-signing with the Eagles.

“I feel like I’m part of the walls here now and to be able to finish an Eagle, it’s a wonderful feeling.”

“I’m looking forward to helping the younger generation coming through now and starting to build towards something that I can leave for them as well, a bit like the older players ‘Pridda’ (Matt Priddis), ‘Glassy’ (Darren Glass) and ‘Coxy’ (Dean Cox) who I played with. They helped us all the way through,” Yeo said.

“Looking forward to getting stuck in with Harley, ‘Chess’ (Campbell Chesser), ‘Reubs’ and Elijah (Hewett) eventually as well.

“They’re all talented players and it’s a fun time to be part of the football club.”

Originally published as AFL champ Elliot Yeo suffers devastating family tragedy