The Essendon Football Club is mourning the passing of Dale Tapping, its VFL Senior Coach, who tragically lost his battle with myeloma, an aggressive form of blood cancer, at the age of 59. Tapping, diagnosed with the disease in January 2023, died on Tuesday morning surrounded by his family.
Throughout his esteemed 28-year career, Tapping not only made his mark as a coach but also as a beloved figure within the AFL community. His unwavering commitment to player development and his charitable spirit earned him the admiration of players and coaches alike. Essendon President Dave Barham expressed deep sorrow over Tapping’s passing, stating, “Dale was a man of impeccable character who was universally loved and respected by those who were lucky enough to have crossed paths with him during his time in the football industry.”
Under Tapping's guidance, Essendon’s VFL side was poised to kick off their season, but the illness would cut his coaching tenure abnormally short. His impact was acknowledged by Bombers’ head coach Brad Scott: “Dale was an outstanding coach, but his true legacy lies in the impact he had on players and staff personally. His dedication to their growth, both on and off the field, along with his genuine love for seeing people succeed were qualities admired by all.” Scott added, “It was a privilege to have coached alongside him; his legacy at the club will endure through the players and staff he mentored throughout his career.”
Tapping's coaching career began with local-level teams, working his way up through the ranks at clubs like Old Brighton and Old Scotch before taking the helm at the Sandringham Dragons. His ascent continued at Collingwood, where he was named VFL Coach of the Year in 2016, leading the team to the preliminary finals. His successful tenure at Collingwood caught the attention of the Brisbane Lions, who brought him on board as midfield coach alongside Senior Coach Chris Fagan at the beginning of Fagan's tenure.
Fagan spoke highly of Tapping’s contributions, stating, “I met Dale at a leadership seminar and admired his enthusiasm and love for coaching and AFL football. He was exactly the type of coach we needed, and he influenced our progress significantly.” Following his tenure with the Lions, Tapping joined Essendon as an assistant coach before being appointed VFL Senior Coach.
The news of Tapping's death has reverberated throughout the football community, with expressions of grief and tributes flowing from various clubs. Danny Daly from the Brisbane Lions recalled Tapping as “fantastic to be around and well-loved,” emphasizing his significant contribution to the Lions’ coaching program. Daly remarked, “His fingerprints are all over our Premiership Cup,” highlighting Tapping's long-lasting legacy as part of the team’s success.
Many of Tapping's colleagues have shared their memories and condolences following his passing. Fagan noted, “We were disappointed when he moved back to Melbourne but were thrilled with the contribution he made immediately. We will all miss him dearly.” His former players and friends have echoed similar sentiments, recalling him as one of the greatest coaches and mentors they have had the fortune to know.
David Barham, Essendon’s president, reinforced the sentiments within the club, stating, “He has left a lasting impact on Essendon Football Club and across the broader community. Dale will be remembered as selfless, exhibiting a passion for the game and the people involved.”
Tapping leaves behind his loving wife Kellie and their children, Summer and Mason, who have shown incredible strength throughout this challenging time. The Essendon Football Club extended their thoughts and best wishes to the Tapping family, highlighting the individualized grace and perseverance they displayed.
Tributes and memories of Tapping will undoubtedly live on throughout the football community as they reflect on the selfless contributions he made. His legacy stands as both inspiration and guiding light for future coaches and players who wish to emulate his dedication to nurturing talent, fostering sportsmanship, and building strong relationships within the community.
During this incredibly difficult time, the Tapping family has requested to highlight the exceptional care they received from St. Vincent’s Haematology Ward and Cancer Centre, as well as Myeloma Australia. A call for support has been made to those who wish to honor Dale’s memory by assisting these organizations.