Legendary AFL personality, Lou Richards, has passed away, aged 94.
He is understood to have passed away peacefully in his nursing home.
Richards played 250 games for Collingwood and kicked 423 goals between 1941 and 1955 and captained the Magpies to the 1953 premiership.
Following his football career, he went on to become a giant of football broadcasting. He become a commentator and star of Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show, which he still appeared on until recent years.
He started his broadcasting career at Channel Seven, where he worked for two decades, before moving Channel Nine where he worked for 15 years.
He is a member of theย inaugural class of inductees to Collingwood Football Club Hall of Fame, he is a Collingwood and AFL life member and is a member of the AFL Hall of Fame.
Richards' infectious personality and lovable character touched many and he was one of the most revered figures in the game's history.
Coutnless tributes have already flown in since news of his passing emerged.
The club is deeply saddened by the passing of the great Lou Richards - https://t.co/AIkLJMQbRP #sidebyside pic.twitter.com/7DJdeqWp33
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) May 8, 2017
Sad to hear of the passing of Lou Richards Collingwood and media icon who entertained a generation of footy fans thanks for the memories Kb
— Kevin Bartlett (@KevinBartlett29) May 8, 2017
Lou Richards dies a footy legend at 94. The great entertainer paved the way for so many others. Was too poorly to attend 125th anniversary
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) May 8, 2017
VALE LOU:
Legendary #AFL figure, and @CollingwoodFC premiership-winning captain Lou Richards passes away aged 94 pic.twitter.com/GF0soCyXeE— FOX SPORTS News (@FOXSportsNews) May 8, 2017
Too young to properly appreciate what he did, but Lou's Handball was one of my lasting memories of watching footy as a kid. #LouRichards pic.twitter.com/4Dk52H8etS
— Tom Chadwick (@TomChadwickFox) May 8, 2017
RIP Lou Richards.
Opened so many doors and windows for me as a young reporter. Was never less than 100 percent enthusiastic about the game.— Greg Baum (@GregBaum) May 8, 2017
Lou Richards was a media trailblazer.
He, Jack Dyer & Bobby Davis, set the standard for all to follow.
A @tennewsmelb tribute at 5pm.— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) May 8, 2017
It doesn't matter what age you are - if you're a footy fan, you know the smile of Lou Richards. Best smile in the game.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_M_FOX) May 8, 2017
