The AFL is mourning the devastating early loss of Dean Bailey, who passed away today after a recent battle with illness.

At 47, Dean was taken in the prime of his working life and has tragically left a growing family behind, survived by his wife Caron and sons Darcy and Mitchell.

AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou said Bailey had fought hard against aggressive lung cancer, after being diagnosed last year, and had left behind a huge circle of friends from his 30-year association with the game across the country.

Coming to Essendon in 1986 for his VFL debut after hailing from North Ringwood, Bailey played 53 league games for the Bombers. He found his calling as a coach, working as an assistant with Essendon and Port Adelaide in the 2000 and 2004 premiership years at both clubs before taking the senior job at Melbourne between 2008-11. After leaving the Demons, he had returned to Adelaide to take up a role as senior assistant to Brenton Sanderson, before falling ill.

“Dean was a man in the prime of life, surrounded by good friends and a loving family, whose life has been tragically cut way too short,” Mr Demetriou said.

“His passing has shocked all in football, coming so soon after he was first diagnosed with illness, and devastated everyone who knew him well in the football community.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to Dean’s family and friends at this very difficult time - as well as the Essendon, Adelaide Crows, Melbourne and Port Adelaide Football Clubs where he had so many friends, both for his dry humour and deep knowledge and great love of our game.

'Caron and the boys will be strengthened by the regard in which Dean was held by all who knew him and we hope they can find comfort in their many good memories together.'

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Patrick Keane