In a heartbreaking blow to the sporting community, AFL hero Alan Morrow passed away on Thursday, July 13 at the age of 86.
Morrow, the oldest and longest-serving member of St Kilda’s 1966 premiership team, holds a special place in the club’s history which secured their first and only AFL/VFL premiership with a thrilling victory over Collingwood by a single point.
Morrow achieved fame for taking a crucial mark just as the final siren sounded. It was a remarkable moment that symbolised his incredible contribution to the team.
His mark on that day will always be remembered as a defining part of St Kilda’s legacy.
We’re saddened by the passing of Premiership Player, Alan Morrow.
Part of our Team of the Century and Hall of Fame, we send our thoughts and prayers to the whole Morrow family.
Read about Alan’s contribution to the club → https://t.co/5iVuBZLVGP pic.twitter.com/I9siKKxcna
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) July 13, 2023
As news of Morrow’s passing broke, fans flocked to social media platforms, offering their heartfelt tributes and expressions of admiration to honour his memory.
That is sad news all the love to his family.
Fantastic player RIP Alan ????⚪️⚫️— Tim Berntsen (@TimBerntsen1) July 13, 2023
Goodbye Champ ???? RIP
— Damien Burl ????⚪️⚫️ (@dashcoja) July 13, 2023
God bless our champion ????❤️????????
— Joshua Ahearn (@jjahearn) July 13, 2023
One of our best. RIP Alan. His last ever game for us was the ‘66 grand final. Losing him in the ‘65 grand final probably cost us the game.
— Shrapnel (@Shrappy71) July 13, 2023
Farewell Alan Morrow.
A Richmond connection of sorts.
Morrow was captain of Dandenong in the infamous 1967 VFA Grand Final vs Port Melbourne that was played at …. Punt Road.The violent game where Pt Melb captain threatened to walk off the field https://t.co/D1zlc4xm2s pic.twitter.com/1BbwDbByG5
— Rhett Bartlett (@rhettrospective) July 13, 2023
Morrow’s death comes shortly after fellow AFL legend Matt Rendell passed away on Wednesday, June 28 at the age of 64.
A highly respected figure in the world of Australian Rules football, Rendell left a lasting mark on the game both as a player and as a prominent media personality.
Rendell suffered a heart attack while walking his dog on Sunday, June 25, and was quickly taken to the hospital and put on life support.
The AFL is saddened by the passing of former Fitzroy captain and long-time club recruiter, Matt Rendell.
Our thoughts are with his family ???? pic.twitter.com/8oWfKNz4FC
— AFL (@AFL) June 28, 2023
His family announced his passing in a statement in which they expressed gratitude for all those offering support at this difficult time.
“It is with great sadness that I am releasing this statement in regards to the condition of Matthew Rendell,” the statement read.
“Matthew passed away this afternoon, after suffering a cardiac arrest Sunday morning. He did not regain consciousness.
“We greatly appreciate the efforts of the first responders and the staff at the Victorian Heart Hospital.
“The Rendell family would like to express gratitude towards everyone who has been supportive at this time.”