‘Great man’: Tributes pour in as Essendon mourns the passing of John ‘Killer’ Kilby, a 53-year club favourite.
Tributes are pouring in for Essendon life member John ‘Killer’ Kilby, who died at the age of 87.
The long-serving trainer was with the Bombers from 1965 to 2018.
He was the head trainer for three premierships in 1984, 1985, and 1993, as well as a member of the medical team for a fourth in 2000.
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To honor Kilby, Essendon will wear black armbands against Geelong at the MCG on Sunday.
“John Kilby was a part of the fabric of the Essendon Football Club,” stated president Dave Barham.
“His contribution as a volunteer over nearly 60 years was enormous.”
“He will be missed by all, and our hearts go out to his family and close friends.”
“Killer, thank you for all you have done for this club, you will never be forgotten.”
Kilby is the name of Essendon’s trainers and staff award, which was won by Sam Draper and Andrew McGrath last year.
Kilby’s friendship with the players who gave him his nickname in the 1960s was so strong that in the 2010s, David Hille and Chris Heffernan purchased him a Jack Russell.
“It was an idea that we had some time ago now,” Hille remarked of introducing Kilby to ‘Rusty’ in 2014.
“I think he also gives Killer a wonderful friendship.”
Essendon has lost “a great man,” said to former player and assistant coach Robert Shaw.
“Dedicated his life to his football club,” Shaw wrote.
“Your loyalty and dedication to your players is unparalleled.” Since the 1960s, I’ve been taping ankles and serving (the) club.”
Shaw stated that the ‘proud Tasmanian’ died shortly after the AFL announced that the Apple Isle would have its own club.
When Kilby reached 50 years of service in 2015, he was honored with a space on the team’s flag.
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