BREAKING NEWS: AFL legend dead as Collingwood and Richmond pay tribute to popular big man whose son now plays for Essendon
- AFL legend Craig Stewart has passed away at the age of 66
- He played for Collingwood and Richmond
- His son plays for Essendon Football Club
Popular former footy star Craig Stewart has passed away at the age of 66, with Collingwood and Richmond leading tributes to the great man.
Stewart played 115 games for the Magpies from 1978 to 1983 before being transferred to the Tigers where he played 35 games.
He is also the father of Essendon star James Stewart, who was drafted by the GWS Giants in 2012.
“The board, management, staff, coaches and players of Collingwood Football Club would like to express our appreciation for Craig’s great contribution to our football club,” said the Magpies.
“Our thoughts are with his family and all his friends from Collingwood, Richmond, Preston and beyond.”
AFL legend Craig Stewart, who played for Collingwood and Richmond, has died aged 66
Stewart’s son James was drafted by the GWS Giants in 2012 and now plays for Essendon
The Tigers tweeted: “Richmond mourns the passing of former tall defender, Craig Stewart. Stewart made 35 senior and 17 reserve appearances for the club between 1984 and 1986, following his move from Collingwood.’
Stewart joined Collingwood in 1978 with a strong reputation having won Preston’s best and fairest award in the VFA the previous year.
He was primarily used on offense, but his versatility also allowed him to play in the ruck and downback, making him beloved by fans.
Stewart was a mainstay on Tom Hafey’s formidable team and was the winner of the Best Freshman Player award before being a part of the 1980 and 1981 Grand Finals.
The former Magpie won his club’s best and fairest award twice before moving to Punt Road in 1984, playing largely as a defender.
His relationship with the Pies became strained later in life when he criticized the club for dismissing his son James as a possible father-son recruit.