AFL coaching legend Tom Hafey has been hospitalised.
The AFL life member had surgery for a brain tumour in March, but the Herald Sun has reported the 82-year-old has been re-hospitalised with complications.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley backed the renowned fitness freak and universally admired character to recover.
“Tommy’s been a great of the game and a larger than life figure in this football club,” Buckley said.
“I don’t reckon there’s anyone who’s looked after themselves better for as long.”
The 82-year-old known as “T-Shirt Tommy” coached teams to ten grand finals, including four premierships with Richmond, and led the Victorian state team for six years without defeat.
In 1977 Hafey took over Collingwood and coached them to a grand final just one year after their first wooden spoon.
Richmond chief executive Brendan Gale said Hafey was “fighting and he’s been a fighter all his life.”
“We were aware he had had an operation and aware he was back in hospital and things were looking up and all his faculties were with him.”
“But he had slowed up a little.
Gale said the entire club hoped Hafey would be able to make a recovery.
“He’s tough as teak and we’re confident given his incredible mental strength, physical dedication and wholesome life, were confident he’ll prevail.”
“There’s plenty in Tommy’s tank yet.”