AFL world saddened by passing of WA great John Todd

The AFL is in mourning after WA great John Todd sadly passed away.

Todd will be remembered as one the finest coaches the sport has ever seen, claiming three premierships at three different clubs through his 43-year coaching span.

The West Australian product was also handy on the field as a player, featuring in 132 games for South Fremantle, winning four best and fairests and was awarded the Sandover Medal (1955) and an All-Australian (1961).

Todd also coached the West Coast AFL team in 1988 and 1989, making it easy for selectors to include him as a coach in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Peter pays an emotional tribute to the late John Todd.

The WA Football legend passing away aged 86. @SENWestAus pic.twitter.com/JX0KEFPzgw

— Sportsday WA (@SportsdayWA) June 4, 2024

AFL Commission chair Richard Goyder said his passing would sadden the West Australian football community and the wider footballing world.

“John Todd was successful in every aspect of his football journey and influenced so much of West Australian football to demand the highest standards and seek for constant improvement,” Mr Goyder said.

“To win premierships at three different clubs is an extraordinary achievement. He moulded players into great teams but I want to acknowledge too that John had an unbelievable love of the game and football people across his entire life.

“In the privilege of being able to spend time with him in recent years, he was still a regular attendee at games, engaged with everyone across football and was a great advocate for the game and what it could do for people and communities.

"He was incredibly tough, building his career after injury took away his playing days, and he had the highest standards as a coach, but he was also incredibly generous and he was a person who made our game great, particularly in WA in the time when state league football was the pinnacle of the game.

“He was an extraordinary talent from his very first appearance as a 17-year-old, winning a Sandover Medal with South Fremantle, and he will always be remembered too as a part of the WA side that won the national title at the 1961 Carnival.

“He will be deeply missed by all and we will honour his memory at the forthcoming Hall of Fame inductions on June 18, as one of the greatest coaches in the history of football."

Vale John Todd:
Extremely sad news today on the passing of a legend and icon of Australian football. His impact extends across all areas & when Todd spoke on football, everyone listened. Many who saw him play said that he was the best they had ever seen. R.I.P. #wafooty pic.twitter.com/WivJG4XDNY

— Lost WAFL (@LostWafl) June 4, 2024