The Calder Cannons are mourning the death of Phil Dunk, one of the heart and soles of the club.
Dunk joined the club as a trainer when the club formed just over 20 years ago and continued in that role until the end.
He died on the weekend.
Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte said everyone at the Cannons and many people across the TAC Cup loved Dunk.
Dunk was a trainer at the Western Jets before joining the Cannons when they were formed.
“He has been a stalwart of the club and has been here right from the start,” Kyte said.
“Even when he moved to Ballarat he still came down once a week.
“He was at the game on Saturday and then passed away suddenly.
“He had a cult following and nobody would walk past him without acknowledging him and saying something which is what happened on Saturday afternoon.”
Dunk was one of the inaugural inductees into the Cannons Hall of Fame earlier this year.
He said at the time he was stoked by the honour.
“It was a great honour for him and his family and it was one of the most enjoyable nights” Kyte said.
“We are grateful that we were able to honour him while he was alive.”
Kyte said the club was likely to hold a minute’s silence and say a few words before Friday night’s game against the Geelong Falcons in Geelong.
He said the club players and officials would wear black arm bands.
“Phil would be swearing at us all for it, saying just get on with the football.”
