The Adelaide Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of South Australian football legend Neil Kerley, who was an influential figure across more than four decades as a player, coach, administrator and media commentator.

Neil was one of the key people involved in the formation of the Crows and helped secure players for the Club’s inaugural list and training squad.

He was appointed as football manager to support first coach Graham Cornes and led the football department during the 1991 season.

Originally from Barmera in the Riverland, he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1997 and was an inaugural inductee of the South Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2002. 

Crows Chairman John Olsen described Neil as a giant of the game.

“Neil’s contribution to the game is immeasurable and he embodied what it means to be a proud and passionate South Australian,” Olsen said.

“As a player and coach, he was tough and uncompromising and he commanded respect, and he will be remembered as one of football’s great characters.

“In the context of his overall career, his time at the Crows was brief but his impact is best described as significant given he helped build the Club from the ground up.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go to his wife Barbara and their family.”

Neil was a champion player in 276 games with West Adelaide, South Adelaide and Glenelg, and regularly starred for South Australia in 32 interstate contests.

As a league coach, he led five SANFL clubs and won four premierships and also coached his State in a number of games from 1967 through to 1984.

The Crows are finalising plans to honour Neil when they host reigning premier Melbourne in their Round 16 match at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.