- Continued to work while fighting the illness
- Died peacefully surrounded by loved ones
- Has left a lasting influence on the AFL and VFL
The AFL is grieving the loss of Essendon’s VFL Senior Coach Dale Tapping, who passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 59 after a courageous battle with Myeloma, an aggressive form of blood cancer.
Tapping passed away peacefully on Tuesday surrounded by loved ones, just weeks before his 60th birthday.
Tipping had continued to work at the Bombers during his treatment before succumbing to the rare disease.
He is survived by his wife Kellie and their children, Summer and Mason.
Tapping’s passing has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, with tributes pouring in from players, coaches, and officials who were touched by his dedication, passion, and genuine care for the sport and its people.
‘On behalf of everyone at the Essendon Football Club, we are deeply saddened by his loss,’ president Dave Barham said.
‘Dale was a man of impeccable character who was universally loved and respected by those who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him over his 28 years in the football industry.
‘Our club’s thoughts are with his wife Kellie, children Summer and Mason, and the extended Tapping family at this most challenging of times.
‘He has left a lasting impact on the Essendon Football Club and across the broader football community, and will be remembered as a selfless individual whose passion and care for people and the game was evident in everything he did.’
Essendon coach Brad Scott was also devastated to learn of his colleague’s tragic death.
‘Dale was an outstanding coach, but his true legacy lies in the profound impact he had on players and staff personally. His dedication to their growth – both on and off the field – along with his genuine love for seeing people succeed, were qualities admired by all,’ he said.
‘It was a privilege to have coached with him, and his legacy at the club will endure through the players and staff he mentored throughout his career.
‘Dale will be deeply missed by the AFL industry and everyone at the Bombers. Our thoughts are with his wife Kellie, and children Summer and Mason, who have shown incredible strength throughout this difficult time.’
Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo said the club was sharing love and support to Tipping’s family.
‘Dale was a wonderful person and mentor of young men – a man of outstanding character and integrity,’ he said.
‘We were incredibly fortunate to have Dale work at our Club over the past three years. He will be sadly missed, but has left us with many lasting learnings and memories.’
Tapping’s battle with Myeloma began in January 2023. Despite the challenges, he continued working with the club, a decision Vozzo praised him for.
‘The footy club has been fantastic, and the players have been amazing in terms of general interest and care for how I’m going,’ Tapping said at the time.
Tapping also spent five years working as an assistant coach with the Brisbane Lions, with coach Chris Fagan leading the tributes by saying ‘Dale was exactly the type of person and coach that we needed’.
‘We were disappointed when he and his family moved back to Melbourne but were also totally thrilled with the contribution he made,’ he continued.
‘He was a fantastic football person, a super coach, a great Dad to Summer and Mason and husband to Kel. We will all miss him dearly.’
Tapping’s coaching career spanned almost three decades, beginning at the local level with Old Brighton and Old Scotch in the VAFA.
He progressed to the elite Under 18 competition, coaching the Sandringham Dragons, before joining Collingwood’s VFL program. His success with Collingwood earned him the 2016 VFL Coach of the Year award. In 2021,
Tapping joined Essendon as an assistant coach in their AFL program, overseeing the forward line.
He was highly regarded for his communication skills and ability to develop players and at the end of 2024, he transitioned to the role of VFL senior coach.
Tapping’s legacy extends beyond his coaching achievements. He was a talented VFA player, representing Prahran, and a respected figure in the VAFA community.
AFL and VFL fans have been left shattered after learning of Tapping’s passing.
‘What a blow to lose Dale Tapping, a fine VFA player with Prahran and an outstanding coach in the VAFA, the TAC Cup, the VFL and the AFL. Love him,’ one posted on social media platform X.
‘So sad to hear the news about Dale Tapping’s passing. Not just a great coach but also a great person,’ added another.
Another fan posted: ‘So sad, a great player at Prahran, an outstanding coaching career and an even better person #RIP Tapps.’
‘A great coach and man who had such a positive impact on me in my formative years and taught me so much. Still gave me the best spray of my life. So sad,’ posted yet another.
Close friend and former Old Brighton colleague Steve Barnes said Tapping had a vision for the game that few possessed.
‘His temperament was the thing that stood out to me. It was just exceptional,’ Barnes said.
‘His knowledge and his communication skills were the same. Some of us as coaches can get angry and lose the plot – guilty, your honour, I’ve done all that – but Dale kept his cool.
‘We just clicked when we started at Old Brighton together. But Dale clicked with everybody he worked with.’
The Bombers have postponed today’s family day out of respect for Tapping and his family.
