Vale | Dale Tapping
VALE | Dale Tapping
The Old Brighton community is in mourning over the passing of Dale Tapping.
Dale was a truly special person who had a profound impact on our football club and an innumerable number of people over his journey in life and in football.
Dale played 105 VFA games with Prahran followed by 52 games with Old Xavs, including an A Grade Premiership in 1995 and two Big V representative games.
Dale’s coaching journey started with the Tonners in 1997 where in his first season he guided the club to its first ever B Grade Premiership. Dale was introduced to our club by long standing President, Shane Young, after the two met at Prahran a year earlier. Dale coached our club for 5 years (1997 to 2001), the catalyst for a brilliant career which led him to the AFL with roles at Collingwood, Brisbane and most recently Essendon.
The love, respect and mateship Dale had with his players at Old Brighton remains present to this day. The outpouring of love and support from the football world shows that this was true across all clubs and playing groups he was involved with.
Dale was one of three senior coaches to have won B Grade Premierships with Old Brighton, alongside Simon Williams (2013) and Greg Hutchison (2017). Both Punchy, who also played under Dale including in the 1997 premiership, and Hutchy were great friends of Dale.
“A coach, a friend, a mentor, a confidant, a man you wanted to be with and near. A man that made you want to be better. A great friend, dad, husband, son, human… the works. Dale always knew what to do at the right time. A little note in your footy bag, a letter, a phone call or just putting his arm around you just when you need it. The legacy that you have left on all of the young humans you have coached is in truth why I coached.”
“We will remember Dale as a resilient, respectful and humble person with a wonderful and sometimes cheeky smile, who has touched and influenced an enormous number of people over his coaching journey. Dales rise to becoming an elite coach is a wonderful story and his willingness to learn and strive to become better is testament to his strength of character as a person. We are all extremely lucky to have had him in our lives and are richer for being able to share part of his life with him. Deepest sympathies to Kelly, Summer and Mason.”
Whilst his coaching journey took him far and wide Dale remained a strong and committed supporter of Old Brighton. He was always available to help and support the club, mentoring coaches, sitting on coaching selection panels, advising our committee and football program, and being a great friend and supporter of the Tonners.
Dale remained, and forever will remain, a legend of the Old Brighton football club.
Old Brighton extends its deepest condolences and support to Dale’s loving wife Kelly, children Summer and Mason, and to all of his great friends and family.
Details of Dale’s service will be announced shortly.
