AFL world mourns after death of Bombers and Lions assistant coach

Essendon VFL senior coach Dale Tapping, a previous assistant in the AFL for the Bombers and Brisbane, has died.
Tapping was diagnosed with myeloma, an aggressive form of blood cancer, in January 2023 and died on Tuesday, the club said.
He was preparing to lead Essendon’s VFL side as senior coach this season after being appointed to the role at the end of 2024.
Tapping joined Essendon as an assistant coach in 2021 for the club’s AFL side, after previously being an assistant at the Brisbane Lions.
Bombers AFL head coach Brad Scott said those who knew Tapping will remember him for the tremendous qualities he had as a person.
“Dale was an outstanding coach, but his true legacy lies in the profound impact he had on players and staff personally,” Scott said.
“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 have coached with him, and his legacy at the club will endure through the players and staff he mentored throughout his career. Dale will be deeply missed by the AFL industry and everyone at the Bombers.”
Tapping played for Collingwood in the VFL and Melbourne reserves, as well as Prahran VFA and Old Xaverians in the VAFA.
His coaching began in the VAFA with Old Brighton and then Old Scotch.
He moved on to the junior scene, coaching the Sandringham Dragons under 18s.
Tapping joined Collingwood’s VFL program, where he would be named 2016 VFL Coach of the Year.
Tapping is survived by his wife Kellie, and children Summer and Mason.
“Our Club’s thoughts are with his wife Kellie, children Summer and Mason and the extended Tapping family at this most challenging of times,” Essendon president David Barham said.
“He has left a lasting impact on the Essendon Football Club and across the broader football community and will be remembered as a selfless individual whose passion and care for people and the game was evident in everything he did.”