John Schultz: Footy great dead aged 85 as tributes flood in for legendary Brownlow Medal winner and team of the century entrant
- Football legend John Schultz has died at the age of 85
- The Bulldogs legend won the Brownlow Medal in 1960
- He was named to the Bulldogs team of the century
The football world is in mourning following the passing of Western Bulldogs legend John Schultz.
Schultz is an icon among Bulldogs fans for his time at Footscray Football Club in the 1950s and 1960s, where he played 188 games.
His incredible achievements led to him winning the Brownlow Medal in 1960.
The defender was also named in the back pocket in the club’s team of the century. He died at the age of 85.
“Vale John Schultz. The club would like to pay tribute to one of our greats, John Schultz, who has passed away at the age of 85,” the Bulldogs said in a statement sent to X on Sunday.
‘Gentleman John’ played 188 games for FFC and represented Victoria on 24 occasions. He won a Brownlow in 1960, the All-Australian award in 1961 and five club awards for best and fairest players.
Schultz was chosen to present the Premiership Cup to 2016 captain Easton Wood and coach Luke Beveridge.
Peter Le Grand, former Melbourne Racing Club and Waverley Mayor, said: “Today the Bulldogs lost a legend and a great man in John Schultz.
The football world is in mourning after the death of the legendary John Schultz
The Western Bulldogs legend presented the 2016 team with the Premiership Cup
He was named in the club’s team of the century and won the Brownlow in 1960
“I saw him play almost every game and never a bad one. I loved him as a friend and a great player, my absolute favorite. RIP John, with Elaine and your brother Robert. Thanks for the memories.”
Andrew Gigacz, who was behind the scenes at that 2016 success before writing his book Against All Odds, paid tribute to Schultz.
“It is sad to hear that we have lost one of Footscray’s best players, John Schultz,” said Gigacz.
‘I’ve spoken to Schultz a few times during my time with the Western Bulldogs and have just finished writing his biography for a new club history (to be released next year). He lived up to his ‘Gentleman John’ name in every way. A huge loss.’
More to come.