‘He was simply everyone’s mate’: AFL legend and media personality Danny Frawley passes away
AFL legend Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley has passed away at just 56 after a fatal car accident in Melbourne.
Frawley was also a much-loved media personality, joining Crocmedia and 1116 SEN as one of the original Off The Bench TV hosts, a key member of the AFL Nation broadcast team and a regular guest across the network. He also worked with Fox Sports, Nine and Triple M.
Frawley was a potato farmer before being recruited to the team, earning him the nickname Spud.
Frawley played 240 senior games for the St Kilda Saints, before then earning the title of longest-serving captain, until recently, leading the team in 177 games from 1987-1995.
Frawley being chaired off in his time with the St Kilda Saints
Frawley represented Victoria on 11 occasions and was inducted into the St Kilda Hall of Fame in 2007. He spent five years as senior coach of Richmond after his playing career, before returning to St Kilda as an assistant coach in 2014-18.
Frawley is survived by his wife Anita and their three children, Chelsea, Danielle and Keeley. Chelsea Frawley also works within the Crocmedia network.
In recent years, Frawley had been open about his mental health issues, encouraging and inspiring those who followed his battles across many media channels.
Pacific Star Network managing director Craig Hutchison said the community at large was devastated by the news.
“Danny was simply loved. A true Australian character; a brilliant entertainer; a selfless father, husband and friend.
“He epitomised the spirit of the St Kilda football club and his football legacy as a player, coach, administrator and media performer is enormous.
“But his sense of community and the way he inspired others will be forever remembered.
“Like the entire football world, and the broader Victorian community, we are stunned and shattered at this extraordinary loss.
“He was simply everyone’s mate.”
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan shared his condolences to the Frawley family and colleagues across the whole industry.
“It is a devastating day for the wider football community, and 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.”
Just a great husband, father, competitor, and friend. RIP
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