Essendon VFL coach and highly rated former Brisbane Lions AFL assistant Dale Tapping has died aged 59 after a long battle with the aggressive blood cancer myeloma.
Tapping, who joined the Bombers at the end of 2021, had been fighting myeloma since January 2023 and died on Tuesday morning.
He worked as the Bombers' forward-line coach, before taking up the VFL role late last year.
“On behalf of everyone at the Essendon Football Club, we are deeply saddened by his loss," Bombers president David 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."
Chief executive Craig Vozzo and head coach Brad Scott said it was a "privilege" to work with Tapping.
Tapping was Brisbane's midfield coach between 2016 and 2021, after previously working as Collingwood's VFL coach and coach at Coates League club Sandringham Dragons.
He began his coaching career at local level at Old Brighton and Old Scotch in the VAFA after playing at Collingwood VFL, Melbourne Reserves, Prahran VFA and Old Xaverians.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, chief executive Greg Swann and football boss Danny Daly all paid tribute to Tapping, who is survived by his wife Kellie and children Summer and Mason.
“Dale played an instrumental part in our football program and our growth and journey over a five-year period. He was fantastic to be around and a well-loved staff member," Daly said.
“His fingerprints are all over our premiership cup and we will miss him enormously and send our condolences to Kellie, Summer, Mason and the wider Tapping family.”
