AFL legend and Collingwood great Lou Richards has passed away aged 94.
Richards played 250 games for the Magpies and captained the club to its 1953 premiership before becoming a broadcaster following his retirement from the game.
He was famed for his play-by-play commentary style and was beloved for his big personality and jovial nature.
News Corp reports Richards passed away in Melbourne on Monday afternoon, after he was too ill to attend Collingwood’s 125th Anniversary.
He was part of one of Collingwood’s most famed football families with his grandfather Charlie Pannam, uncles Charles and Alby Pannam and brother Ron Richards all representing the club.
All three generations captained the club throughout the years.
He is survived by his wife Edna Lillian Bowie and their two daughters.
Tributes have already started pouring in with players and colleagues sharing their feelings on social media.
Truly, we have lost a legend.
Lou Richards 1923-2017 pic.twitter.com/0Im9CAqj0U— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) May 8, 2017
The club is deeply saddened by the passing of the great Lou Richards – https://t.co/AIkLJMQbRP #sidebyside pic.twitter.com/7DJdeqWp33
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) May 8, 2017
Vale to the incomparable Lou Richards. On VERY top tier of contributors to footy. Champion player & 5 decades as true multi-media megastar.
— Jason Bennett (@JasonBennettTV) May 8, 2017
Sad to hear about Lou Richards. Arguably the most loved footy person I can remember.
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) May 8, 2017