The AFL group is as we speak mourning the dying of former Collingwood and Richmond star Craig Stewart.
Stewart, the daddy of present Bombers’ listed defender James, was aged simply 66.
Stewart had an instantaneous affect within the AFL after strolling into Collingwood’s 1978 crew and impressing coach Tom Hafey.
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He was awarded the most effective first 12 months participant title after managing 21 video games in his debut season.
Nicknamed ‘Snaggles’, Stewart went on to play 115 video games for the Magpies – together with back-to-back grand finals in 1980 and 1981 – and kick 122 targets.
The 193cm huge man collected six-goal hauls twice in his time at Collingwood.
But he ended up getting traded to Richmond the place he completed his profession with an additional 35 video games, between 1984 and 1986.
He retired with 150 video games to his identify in a profession the place he’s been remembered finest as one of many key members of Hafey’s Heroes from the late Seventies and early Eighties.
In a press release, Collingwood paid tribute to Stewart’s time on the membership.
“The Board, management, staff, coaches and players of the Collingwood Football Club wish to place on record our appreciation for Craig’s wonderful contribution to our footy club,” the assertion learn.
“Our thoughts are with his family, and all his friends from Collingwood, Richmond, Preston and beyond.
“(Craig) arrived as a key forward and played some outstanding games in that role, but also spent time in defence to great effect and in the ruck. He was often thrown around to fill holes wherever we needed him, sometimes to the detriment of his game.
“He was a big bloke, standing around 193cm and weighing just under 100kg, but he was agile for his size. His key attributes, however, were his marking and kicking.
“He was a lovely mark of the football, with sure hands and good judgement, and his kicking was superb. He was capable on both sides of his body but especially good from a standing start, where he could roost the ball a mile – especially when he got onto one of his ‘torps’ (he was one of the best exponents of the torpedo in the game).”
The Tigers posted a condolence message on their social media whereas the Bombers additionally paid tribute and pledged to help James via the lack of his father.
“We’re saddened to learn of the passing of Craig Stewart, father of current player James,” Essendon’s assertion learn.
“Craig played 115 games for Collingwood during the late 1970s + 1980s.
“We extend our deepest condolences and offer our full support to James and the Stewart family.”
Originally revealed as AFL world mourns lack of former Pies and Tigers star Craig Stewart
Source: www.news.com.au
