'He was my idol': Daughter's heartbreaking farewell tribute to Danny Frawley

·Sports Reporter

18 September 2019 at 4:05 am

Danny Frawley’s daughter delivered a heartbreaking farewell message to her father during ‘Spud’s’ funeral service on Wednesday.

Frawley was being remembered at a private funeral service for family and friends at Kingston Town Hall, telecast on Fox Footy and played on large screens at Moorabbin Oval where mourning fans have gathered.

There were many messages from friends, including a powerful call to action from mental health ambassador and friend Wayne Schwass, during the service.

Frawley’s family - wife Anita and daughters Chelsea, Danielle and Keeley - also delivered a message at the end of a service during a video package of Frawley’s life.

Danny Frawley's family delivered an emotional message at the funeral service. (Image: Fox Sports)

“He was a real Peter Pan,” his wife Anita said fighting back tears.

“He was my absolute idol. I know he was my dad, he was also my best friend. I am so proud he was my father,” one daughter said.

“I just wish he was here now so he could give me one of those awkward long hugs.”

The Hearse carrying the coffin of Danny Frawley does a lap of honour and followed by his wife and daughters during the Danny Frawley Funeral Service on September 18, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

Following the service, Frawley was clapped off Morrabin as the hearse made a lap of the famous field.

Tributes flow for Frawley

Emotional tributes have flowed since Frawley died on Monday, September 9, in a single vehicle accident when the ute he was driving hit a tree near Ballarat.

Frawley, who spoke bravely of his battles with mental health issues in recent years, is survived by his wife Anita and their three daughters, Chelsea, Danielle and Keeley, along with his mother and five siblings.

Danny Frawley of the Saints is chaired off the ground after his last match after the round 22 AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and Footscray 1995, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Getty Images)

The Saints' Moorabbin headquarters quickly became the focal point for the outpouring of grief following Frawley's death a day after on his 56th birthday.

A makeshift shrine was set up outside the club's main entry, with floral tributes, scarves and guernseys left by fans.

A pictorial tribute was also set up in a display case in the club's Hall of Fame.

Well known for his exploits on the field, then as a coach and media personality, the larger-than-life character became a strong advocate for mental health issues when he revealed his own battle with depression.

Instead of flowers, Frawley's family requested donations be sent to Beyond Blue.

With AAP

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.