South Australia has lost an icon. Australia has lost a football legend.

Donald Neil Kerley AM made a huge contribution to not only SA footy but Australian football, on and off the field.

He was a passionate and proud South Australian, the embodiment of state pride.

His character and courage made him a legend among the South Australian public.

He was a tough competitor on the field, an inspirational coach and a fantastic ambassador for football, especially State of Origin.

He played 265 games with West Adelaide, South Adelaide and Glenelg and coached 628 games.

He represented South Australia 32 times with great distinction during his career including captaining SA to a famous win over Victoria at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1963.

He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 1997.

To South Australians, he was a football legend – but to his family, he was so much more.

On behalf of the Government I extend my sincere sympathies to Neil's family and friends.