“Devastated”: AFL coach Danny Frawley’s family release statement about his death
The devastated family of Danny Frawley have spoken out about his shock death yesterday after the tributes flowed in for the AFL legend.
The 56-year-old St Kilda Hall of Famer died at the scene of a car crash near Ballarat in Victoria on Monday.
He was the only person in the car when it crashed into a tree at around 1:30pm, in what Victorian Police have described as a “significant collision scene”.
The world of AFL was left reeling from the passing of a legend of the game and yesterday, the family released their first statement.
“On Monday Danny was taken tragically from us,” the statement read.
“The Frawley family are devastated, but full of love and pride for a remarkable man who touched the lives of many.
“To some he was known as an AFL footballer, coach and media figure, but to his wife Anita and their three daughters; Chelsea, Danielle and Keeley, Danny was a loving husband and a devoted dad. Danny adored his family.
“The Frawley families are totally shocked and devastated by his passing, but Danny provided us with strength, good humour and unwavering support during his extraordinary life, memories which will be cherished and help us cope with his tragic death.”
“We would like to sincerely thank everyone for the outpouring of love and kindness at this time. We are overwhelmed by the messages of support following his death. We are humbled, proud and incredibly touched,” the statement continues.
“His legacy and love of his family will never be dimmed. Forever in our hearts.”
Tributes have flowed for the Hall of Famer, with Fox Footy having dedicated their Monday night to remember the legacy that Danny has left behind.
Tributes have flowed today for Danny Frawley after his tragic death yesterday.
“People got to tell their Danny stories today. I was amazed how many people had a single, fleeting encounter with Danny, that was lasting.” - Gerard #AFL360 pic.twitter.com/J2Fnk4YWCt— FOX FOOTY (@FOXFOOTY) September 10, 2019
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan has detailed how the league plans to honour the memory of Danny, as two games will take place during the weekend with both games holding a moment of silence. All players, umpires and match officials will be wearing black armbands.
“Danny was a friend to everyone in footy and his passion for the game, from the elite to the grassroots was unmatched,” he said to news.com.au.
“Whether you knew him as the St Kilda Captain, the Richmond Coach, or the loveable guy on the TV or radio who always made you smile, the acknowledgment this weekend is a way for everyone to pay tribute to the man we all knew and loved.”
Danny Frawley will be acknowledged with a moment of silence at this weekend’s Toyota #AFLFinals Series matches. All playing clubs along with the umpires & match officials will wear black armbands as a mark of respect to the former player, coach, administrator & media personality. pic.twitter.com/Yg9dSoKPKX
— AFL (@AFL) September 10, 2019
A change.org petition has also been started, calling for an award to recognise the AFL’s best defender. The petition has 57,754 signatures at the time of writing.
Danny was unofficially recognised with the “Golden Fist” segment on Fox Footy show “Bounce” since 2012, but petition starter Alex Baggio says this isn’t enough.
“Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley was an AFL legend, and made the Golden Fist segment on Bounce something widely recognised across the AFL community,” petition starter Alex Baggio wrote.
“In honour of his passing, the AFL should introduce the Danny Frawley Golden Fist award for the best defender on Brownlow night.”