The Essendon Football Club and the entire AFL community are grieving the loss of Dale Tapping, who passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 59 after battling myeloma, an aggressive form of blood cancer. Tapping, who served as the club's VFL senior coach, succumbed to the disease just weeks short of his 60th birthday, leaving behind his wife Kellie and children, Summer and Mason.
First diagnosed two years ago, Tapping took time off from coaching midway through the 2023 season to focus on treatment and recuperation before returning to lead the Bombers’ forwards through the 2024 season. His commitment to both the game and the players he mentored was unwavering, even as his health deteriorated during the latter part of the year.
“On behalf of everyone at the Essendon Football Club, we are deeply saddened by Dale’s loss,” said club president Dave Barham. “Dale was a man of impeccable character who was universally loved and respected. Our thoughts are with his wife Kellie, children Summer and Mason, and the extended Tapping family during this challenging time.”
Brad Scott, Essendon’s AFL coach, paid tribute to his friend and colleague, saying, “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. It was a privilege to coach with him, and his legacy will endure through every player and staff member he mentored.”
Tapping's influence stretched beyond Essendon; he had also made significant contributions to the Brisbane Lions, where Chris Fagan, the Lions’ head coach, recalled meeting Tapping at a leadership seminar. “Dale was the exact type of person we needed during tough times. He greatly influenced our progress,” Fagan shared, along with heartfelt condolences for Tapping's family.
Born to be involved with football, Tapping’s coaching career started at the grassroots level and progressed to local teams such as Old Brighton and Old Scotch before advancing to the VFL. His coaching ability earned him the title of VFL Coach of the Year in 2016 for his role with Collingwood, where he commanded respect through his communication skills and player development prowess.
From there, Tapping joined the Brisbane Lions as an assistant coach before making his way to Essendon at the end of the 2021 season. His track record as a forward coach led to his appointment as VFL senior coach for the upcoming years. His tenure saw him recognized as not only a remarkable coach but as someone deeply invested personally in his players’ lives.
Fans and colleagues alike took to social media, sharing their sadness and the impact Tapping made on their lives. One former player expressed, “What a blow to lose Dale Tapping, not just for his coaching but for being such a genuine person,” encapsulating the sentiment of many who knew him.
Given Tapping’s legacy, he will be remembered for more than just tactical skills; the essence of his character shone through his commitment to player welfare and development. He was viewed as the ultimate mentor by many, someone who strived for others’ success as much as his own.
The news of Tapping’s passing follows closely on the heels of another tragic event within the AFL community—the death of former Brisbane Lions star Troy Selwood. This confluence of loss highlights the often-unseen struggles faced by individuals behind the scenes of the sports we celebrate.
Essendon’s club activities were disrupted as they postponed events out of respect for Tapping and his family. The community’s love and support were made evident by statements from both players and officials, reflecting the extent to which Tapping had touched lives across clubs and organizations. The words of AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon bear weight as he noted, “Dale was well respected throughout the football industry and made significant impacts wherever he worked.”
More than two decades of dedication to the sport have left an indelible mark on Tapping’s peers and players alike, making his loss all the more poignant for the many individuals shaped by his influence. From grassroots coaching to elite competition, Tapping proved to be not just a coach, but also, fundamentally, a friend. There’s no doubt the legacies he left behind within the Essendon Football Club and the larger AFL community will continue to inspire future generations of players and coaches.