Tragedy as AFL legend Matt Rendell dies aged 64 after suffering a heart attack in Melbourne
Tragedy as AFL legend and Fitzroy great Matt Rendell dies aged 64 after a heart attack and never regained consciousness
- Fitzroy’s legend was attacked on Sunday morning
- Family said he never regained consciousness
- The 64-year-old played 164 games for Fitzroy in a decade
AFL greatness and Fitzroy legend Matt Rendell has died aged 64 following a heart attack, his family confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.
“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.”
Matt Rendell (pictured) suffered a heart attack while walking his dog in Melbourne on Sunday and never regained consciousness, his family confirmed in a statement
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.
He then joined Collingwood for a short period in a similar role.
The AFL great made 164 appearances for Fitzroy in a decade at the club between 1981 and 1991
Rendell was a regular on Trade Radio and SEN and voiced his views on AFL lists.
On Tuesday, Rendell’s brother Tim described the moment the footy great was found after going into cardiac arrest while walking his dog in Melbourne.
“Someone noticed him and called an ambulance, but no one knows how long he was there,” Tim said The age.
“He’s in the hospital, he’s unconscious. He hasn’t woken up since the [heart] attack. That’s about all we know until we get there.’
More to come…