Former Carlton president John Elliott dies aged 79

The AFL and the city of Melbourne is in mourning after an iconic figure in Victorian public life passed away on Thursday.

Former president of the Carlton AFL club John Elliott has died, aged 79, just 10 days short of his 80th birthday.

His family confirmed on Thursday night he had passed away at Melbourne’s Epworth hospital.

Elliot was said to be in poor health after suffering a fall recently.

“Sadly, my father, John Elliot, died just a couple of hours ago,” son Tom Elliott said on 3AW radio.

“He had been ill for a few weeks. He had a bad fall a little while back and had been at the Epworth hospital at Richmond. We got the very sad news this afternoon that he had taken his last breath.”

Watch Fox Footy’s massive line-up of Grand Final week coverage on Kayo including live pre-game, half-time and post-game coverage with full analysis from the best team in the business. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free >

“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John Dorman Elliott,” the family said.

“He died Thursday evening at the Epworth Hospital in Richmond after a short illness.

“Dad will be greatly missed by his four children Tom, Caroline, Edward and Alexandra. Their children Henry, Sebastian, India, Ava, Lottie and Mathilda will remember forever their “Grandpa Jack”.

“Also in mourning are John’s brother Ross, sister-in-law Jenny, former partner Joanne and second wife Amanda. They are joined in grief by numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and other close relatives. Vale Dad.”’

John Elliott has passed away aged 79. Photo: Stuart McEvoy/The Australian.

He was an iconic but controversial figure at Carlton, where he was president from 1983 to 2002.

During his time in charge of the club, the Blues won two premierships in 1987 and 1995.

Elliott was voted out as president of Carlton after the 2002 AFL season when the club was found to have breached salary cap regulations, which resulted in almost $1 million in fines and other sanctions.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg was one of several politicians who paid tribute to Elliott on social media.

“Very sad to learn of the passing of former Liberal Party & @CarltonFC President John Elliott,” he wrote on Twitter.

“He was a proud Victorian and a larger than life figure.

“He will be greatly missed and I extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

He was the Federal president of the Liberal Party from 1987-1990 and a member of the Liberal Party for more than 30 years.

John Elliott (right) was a long-serving president of the Carlton football club.

Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy said: “Farewell John Elliott. Liberal legend, devout Carlton FC man, unashamedly proud of Melbourne and Victoria.”

“He made things happen and will be sorely missed. RIP.”

Liberal Party heavyweight Brian Loughnane added to the chorus of tributes.

He said Elliott was “an important figure in the life of the Party nationally and in Victoria during a crucial period. Always a source of sage advice. Will be greatly missed.”

Victorian Labor minister and Carlton supporter Martin Pakula said despite being on the opposite side of the political spectrum as Elliott, “I like him a lot”.

John Elliott & I were on opposite sides of politics, but I liked him a lot. The first time I spoke to him he said

“You’re Swordy’s mate?” - Yep

“And you barrack for Carlton?” - Yep

“And you went to what school?” - Haileybury

“Well what are you doing in the bloody Labor Party?

— Martin Pakula 💉💉 (@MartinPakulaMP) September 23, 2021

Elliott was a high-profile businessman and had several brushes with corporate regulators.

In 1990, he quit Elders IXL, the former jam company he turned into Australia’s biggest brewery, which is now an iconic agribusiness.

In the same year, Elders had been investigated by the National Crime Authority.

Elliott declared himself bankrupt in 2005 but maintained a public profile.

Throughout his life he vowed to stick true to his personal motto: “never look back”.

Originally published as Former Carlton president John Elliott dies aged 79