Essendon Football Club is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of premiership player Merv Neagle, who died in a road accident early Thursday morning, aged 54.
Neagle, a member of Essendon’s 1984 premiership team, played 147 games for the Bombers during his career from 1977- 1985.
Essendon teammate and Premiership Captain Terry Daniher said Neagle would be dearly missed.
“It’s certainly a sad day and our condolences go out to the family on what is a very tough day for them. All his close mates and his teammates at the Essendon Football Club are shocked to hear the sad news.”
“He was a terrific hard running player on the wing for us, who gave us his all and had the tenacity to run all day without a spell.
“He was a great mate who loved a beer and loved to be around his teammates.
“He was just a good bloke.”
Neagle arrived at Essendon from Dimboola in 1977 and quickly established himself as one of the competition’s most exciting players.
A match winner on his day, Neagle was famous for his distinctive loping run, aggressive attack on the ball and long raking drop punt kicks.
He was runner-up in Essendon's Best and Fairest award in 1980 and equal runner-up in 1981. He also finished runner-up in the Brownlow medal in 1980, with 20 votes and was fourth in the Brownlow in 1981 with 15 votes.
Neagle was selected in the State side in 1980, 1981 and 1985. He was also named in the centre in ""The Sun"" All Star team in both 1981 and 1983 and in the ""Inside Football"" Team of the Year in 1981.
Neagle's son, Jay, debuted for Essendon in 2007 and played 28 games for the Bombers during his career from 2007 – 2010.
Neagle is survived by his wife Donna and six children: Stacey, Jay, Jydon, Nathan, Matthew and Jaxon.
Funeral details are yet to be finalised.
Essendon players will be wearing black armbands in tonight's match against Richmond in honour of Neagle.
Click here to read more about Neagle's career.
