Brisbane Lions CEO Greg Swann, General Manager, Football, Danny Daly and Lions Senior coach, Chris Fagan have all paid tribute to former Lions midfield coach, Dale Tapping who passed away on Monday evening following a lengthy battle with Myeloma.

Tapping was with the Lions for five seasons from 2017 – 2021 before joining Essendon at the end of 2021.

He was also a successful coach with Collingwood’s VFL program and at the Sandringham Dragons in a coaching career spanning over 25 years.

Lions CEO, Greg Swann:
“Dale was a terrific bloke who made a massive contribution to the Lions. He joined the club at the same time as Fages and played a key role in developing our squad with his knowledge and enthusiasm.

“He was a great football person and an even better bloke. On behalf of the Lions, we send our love and condolences to Kellie and his kids Summer and Mason.”

General Manager, Football, Danny Daly:
“Dale played an instrumental part in our football program and our growth and journey over a five year period. He was fantastic to be around and a well-loved staff member.

“His fingerprints are all over our Premiership Cup and we will miss him enormously and send our condolences to Kellie, Summer, Mason and the wider Tapping family.”

Brisbane Lions coach, Chris Fagan:
“I met Dale at a Leading Teams leadership seminar in 2016. I immediately admired his enthusiasm and love for coaching and AFL football. 

“A few months later I was appointed coach of Brisbane. I knew the job was going to be tough and that I would need resilient and positive people around to help get the team back on track. 

“Dale was exactly the type of person and coach that we needed so I gave him a call and he and his family agreed to come. He was just as I thought he would be during his five years of service, and he influenced our progress significantly. 

“We were disappointed when he and his family moved back to Melbourne but were also totally thrilled with the contribution he made. He was a fantastic football person, a super coach, a great Dad to Summer and Mason and husband to Kel. We will all miss him dearly.”