AFL world 'shattered' by death of Matthew Rendell, 64
Matthew Rendell was a champion of Fitzroy, before making a name for himself as a recruiter and assistant coach.
The AFL world has been left saddened following the death of Fitzroy champion and well known recruiter Matthew Rendell. The 64-year-old passed away on Wednesday afternoon, following a heart attack the previous weekend while out walking his dog.
He was taken to hospital in Melbourne shortly after he was found, where he was placed into intensive care. Sadly, he would not regain consciousness.
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Rendell's death was announced by his family, with his wife Leonie sharing the tragic news with the AFL world. His death sparked a flood of tributes from fans and former colleagues.
“It is with great sadness that I am releasing this statement in regards to the condition of Matthew Rendell,” the announcement read. “Matthew passed away this afternoon, after suffering a cardiac arrest Sunday morning. He did not regain consciousness.
“We greatly appreciate the efforts of the first responders and the staff at the Victorian Heart Hospital. The Rendell family would like to express gratitude towards everyone who has been supportive at this time."
Rendell played 164 games for Fitzroy between 1981 and 1991, adding another 13 when the club moved to Queensland and became the Brisbane Bears, and later the Lions. He won two club best and fairest awards in that time, as well as earning All-Australian selection twice.
Following his playing career he worked as a recruiter for Collingwood and Adelaide, most notably engineering the Crows' selection of future Brownlow Medalist, Patrick Dangerfield, in the 2007 AFL draft. He would then go on to have something of a cult following in the media, particularly with his contributions to AFL Trade Radio.
He also worked as an assistant coach for Melbourne and St Kilda. On social media, fans were left devastated by his passing.
Shattering. https://t.co/QlHM7fOoVc
— Mark Stevens (@StevoMedia) June 28, 2023
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of AFLPA member Matt Rendell.
The AFLPA board, members and staff extend our deepest sympathies to Matt’s family, friends and former teammates. pic.twitter.com/VHuQ105a9q— aflplayers (@AFLPlayers) June 28, 2023
RIP Matt Rendell. Ripper bloke and a great footy brain.
— Tony Shaw (@TonyShaw22) June 28, 2023
‘Fitzroy, the old Maroon and Blue…’ @Fitzroy_FC @AFL
RIP #MattRendell 💔
Condolences to family, friends, colleagues and teammates. #Bundy
To those of us fortunate to travel and share in the beautiful Fitzroy FC journey his contribution 1981- 1991 was immeasurable. https://t.co/RciwDqiuy5— Robert Shaw (@shawry_analyst) June 28, 2023
RIP Matt Rendell.
Incredibly sad for his family, friends and everyone who knew him. Life can be so cruel and change in an instant— Marc McGowan 🗣✍️👨🏻💻📰 (@ByMarcMcGowan) June 28, 2023
Vale Matt Rendell. Utterly heartbreaking. Thinking of Leonie and his family, and the tight knit AFL circle he was so close to. A genuine and decent man gone far too soon.
— Mitchell Scott (@MitchellBScott) June 28, 2023
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