Essendon is saddened to hear news of the passing of Club Hall of Fame Legend Greg Sewell at the age of 93.
A terrific servant of the Bombers both on-field and off, Sewell represented the red and black 171 times as a player before devoting his time to the Club’s Committee and taking the reins as President in 1981, overseeing the legendary 1984-’85 triumphs as back-to-back Premiers.
Sewell was a versatile operator on the wing during his tenure, featuring in two Grand Finals in the late 1950s and coming into his own as one of his side’s most dependable performers – twice the Best Utility Player, a Most Improved and also a Most Consistent Player awarded to him by career’s end.
Returning to the Dons in 1965 after three years with Kyneton, Sewell continued to influence the Club in an assistant coaching capacity, winning his lone senior game as a caretaker before going on to lead the Reserves to a 1968 flag as Senior Coach.
In recognition for his outstanding contribution to the Dons and the wider game, Sewell was recognised with AFL Life Membership at the turn of the century in 2000, before having his name etched into the annals of Essendon as the 18th Legend inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2009.
Sewell passed peacefully on Wednesday afternoon surrounded by his immediate family.
“As a Club, we’re all deeply saddened to hear of Greg’s passing,” Essendon President Andrew Welsh said.
“His fingerprints were all over some massively successful periods for Essendon in all of his stints as a player, coach and President – his standing in our Hall of Fame as a Legend is a richly deserving testament to that.
“Continuing on from his father Sid’s commitment to the Club, Greg and the Sewell family have always held an important place in our hearts.
“We’re thinking of his loved ones, his former teammates and friends at this time.”
Greg is survived by his wife Glenyce, and his children Tamara and Philip (Mark dec.)
Funeral details:
Friday July 31, 11am AEST
St John's Uniting Church, Essendon
Followed by refreshments at the Windy Hill Venue.
