Footy world pays tribute to Matt Rendell after the AFL legend died of a heart attack aged 64 

The AFL world paid tribute to footy great Matthew Rendell, who died aged 64 on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack on Sunday.

The sterruckman played for ten years at Fitzroy, before going on to work as an assistant coach at St Kilda and as a recruiter for Adelaide.

“The AFL is saddened by the passing of former Fitzroy captain and longtime club recruiter, Matt Rendell,” the AFL said in a statement.

In a Twitter post, the Lions said they were “saddened by the passing of former Fitzroy captain Matt Rendell. The thoughts of the club are with Leonie, Daniel and James Rendell and their families.’

The Crows, meanwhile, paid tribute to a “highly regarded leader of the recruiting team for six years.”

“The Adelaide Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Matt Rendell,” the club wrote on social media.

“The thoughts of the entire Crows family are with his wife Leonie and children Daniel and James, as well as their extended family and friends. Rest in peace.’

The Saints added: ‘Our thoughts are with Matt Rendell’s friends and family. Rest in peace.’

Rendell made his debut in the SANFL, before joining Fitzroy in 1981 and making 164 appearances for the club over the next decade.

A two-time Fitzroy club champion, the sterruckman captained the club for three years and was included in the all-Australian squad in 1983 and 1987.

After initially opting to retire, Rendell joined the Brisbane Bears after his stint with Fitzroy ended. He played a season in Queensland before hanging up his boots.

He remained in footy after his retirement, joining St Kilda as an assistant coach and then taking on the role of recruiting manager with the Crows in 2007.

During his spell in Adelaide, he helped build the Crows side that finished second in 2012, losing to Hawthorn in the Preliminary Final by five points.

The AFL paid tribute to the late footy great after news of his passing was made public

The Brisbane Lions were among the clubs that remembered the Fitzroy legend

The Adelaide Crows remembered Rendell as a ‘dearly valued member’ of the club

The Saints also remembered their former assistant coach on Twitter

Port Adelaide paid tribute to Rendell and sent condolences to his family

He left the Crows on cloud nine after saying it was becoming advisable to only draft Native players if they had one white parent.

While the comment was intended to highlight the difficulties many talented Aboriginal players had in adjusting to life as a professional footballer, the controversy caused him to leave the club.

After resigning from the Crows, he then joined Collingwood for a short period in a similar role.

He then became a regular on Trade Radio and SEN, giving his opinion on AFL lists.

“He was a beloved figure here at SEN – what a contribution he made to the game as a player, as an assistant coach, as an outstanding assistant coach and then as an engaging media commentator,” said former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes.

Rendell was rushed to hospital in Melbourne on Sunday morning after he collapsed and did not regain consciousness while walking his dog.

The AFL great made 164 appearances for Fitzroy in a decade at the club between 1981 and 1991

Rendell became a regular on Trade Radio and SEN gave his opinion on AFL listings

“Matthew passed away this afternoon after suffering cardiac arrest on Sunday morning,” the statement read on behalf of Rendell’s wife Leonie.

“He didn’t regain consciousness.

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Victorian Heart Hospital first responders and staff.

“The Rendell family would like to thank everyone who has supported us at this time.”