The Australian Football League community is mourning the untimely death of Dale Tapping, the much-admired Essendon VFL coach, who succumbed to myeloma after battling the aggressive blood cancer for over two years. Tapping, aged 59, lost his fight on Tuesday morning, leaving behind not just a legacy of coaching excellence but also countless fond memories among those who knew him.
Tapping began his coaching career at local levels, showing early promise before moving on to notable positions within the AFL. He joined the Essendon Football Club as an assistant coach at the end of 2021 and was recently appointed the head coach of its VFL side, planning to lead the team for the 2025 season. His struggle with myeloma began back in January 2023, yet he continued to coach and inspire until his condition worsened.
The sadness permeated throughout Essendon Football Club, where President David Barham expressed the organization’s grief saying, "On behalf of everyone at the Essendon Football Club, we are deeply saddened by his loss." Barham continued, highlighting Tapping’s outstanding character: "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 over his 28 years in the football industry." Tapping's passing has left a significant void not only within the club but across the entire AFL community.
Throughout his career, Tapping established himself as not just a tactical genius on the field but also as a mentor and friend to many players. He previously served as the midfield coach for the Brisbane Lions and had notable stints with the Collingwood Football Club, where he was recognized as the 2016 VFL Coach of the Year. His coaching philosophy centered on personal development, building confidence, and fostering relationships, and these principles were evident as he effortlessly connected with athletes.
Tapping’s influence reached far beyond coaching; he was also involved with junior development, showcasing his commitment to nurturing future talent. He began his career coaching at Old Brighton and Old Scotch before shifting to the junior ranks at the Sandringham Dragons. His transition to the professional leagues exemplified his abilities and passion for the game, earning him respect industry-wide.
Tributes flowed in from all corners of the football world following Tapping's passing. Brisbane Lions’ football operations boss Danny Daly praised him for his instrumental role with the Lions: "His fingerprints are all over our premiership cup and we will miss him enormously and send our condolences to Kellie, Summer, Mason and the wider Tapping family." These sentiments were echoed by his colleagues, friends, and the entire AFL community, coming together to honor his memory.
Brad Scott, head coach at Essendon, reflected on Tapping's significant impact, saying, "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." This admiration extended beyond mere professional interactions; he was regarded as someone who took the time to genuinely invest himself in the lives of the players he coached.
What truly set Tapping apart was his ability to inspire positivity and hope among those around him, even during his darkest times. A fan eloquently summarized his character, stating, "It's more rare than you might think, to come across someone in the AFL Industry who is universally spoken about positively. Dale Tapping is one of those rare breeds." Indeed, Tapping's legacy as both a coach and person reflects the qualities of kindness, resilience, and determination.
The Essendon Football Club reflected on Tapping's battle with myeloma, emphasizing his bravery: "A universally loved football person, Tapping bravely fought Myeloma, a form of blood cancer, for over two years. Rest in peace, Tapps.” His battle with the illness turned Tapping not just from a beloved coach to one who became emblematic of the relentless spirit and courage seen throughout the league.
His family, including his wife Kellie and children Summer and Mason, are now faced with the challenge of carrying on without him. The outpouring of love and support from the football community demonstrates how deeply he was ingrained not just as a coach, but as a friend and confidant. Today, they mourn not just the loss of Tapping as a coach, but more poignantly, as the person who made every effort to uplift those around him.
Dale Tapping’s death marks not only the end of his remarkable career but also the closing of a chapter rich with memories, lessons, and indelible marks on the lives he has touched. His legacy will live on through the many players he mentored, the teams he coached, and the community he built, illustrating the essence of what it means to be part of the AFL family.