The Adelaide Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of a much loved friend and colleague Dean Bailey.

As many are aware, Dean had been battling cancer with his usual resilience and positive attitude, since being diagnosed last November.

Sadly, he passed away overnight, surrounded by family. He was 47.

A fiercely loyal and caring man, Dean leaves a lasting impression on everyone at the Adelaide Football Club, and the football industry.

Crows Chief Executive Steven Trigg said Dean would be remembered as a hard-working, family man.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dean’s wife, Caron and children Darcy and Mitchell,” he said.

“They know that the entire Crows family is here to help and offer support.”

Few understood the game of football better than Dean.

“He often told how he gained most pleasure from teaching and helping young men become better players and more importantly, better people,” Mr Trigg said.

“Dean’s dry sense of humour also provided many priceless moments.

“His influence stretches far beyond the Adelaide Football Club, given his involvement in the game across three states.”

Dean’s VFL/AFL career began at Essendon in 1986, after he was recruited from North Ringwood in the Club’s zone.

He played 53 league games until 1992, and then spent three years with SANFL club Glenelg, where he won the best-and-fairest trophy in 1995.

After three years coaching Queensland club Mt Gravatt, Bailey returned to Essendon as a development coach.

In 2002 he joined Port Adelaide, working under coach Mark Williams as an assistant in the 2004 premiership.

Melbourne appointed Bailey as its senior coach for the 2008 season and he coached the Demons in 85 games.

He joined Adelaide in September 2011 as strategy and innovation coach.

The Club has assembled an expert panel to assist with the counselling of players, coaches and staff.