Former Collingwood Football Head Coach Mick Malthouse Dies at 71
Australian Rules football legend and former Collingwood head coach Mick Malthouse has died at the age of 71, his family confirmed in a statement released early Tuesday morning. The revered coach passed away peacefully at his Melbourne home, surrounded by family, after a brief illness.
Known for his intense presence on the sidelines and his deep understanding of the game, Malthouse’s death marks the end of an era in AFL history. He leaves behind a legacy spanning over four decades — one defined by passion, resilience, and a relentless drive to win.
A Giant of the Game
Michael Raymond Malthouse, born August 17, 1953, in Ballarat, Victoria, played 174 games in the VFL, first with St Kilda and later Richmond, where he was part of the Tigers’ famous 1980 premiership side. But it was in coaching that he would become a household name.
His coaching career began at Footscray (now the Western Bulldogs) in 1984, where his leadership qualities began to shine. From there, he moved west to the West Coast Eagles in 1990 and led the club to its first two premierships in 1992 and 1994.
But it was at Collingwood, Australia’s most polarizing football club, where Malthouse cemented his place in history. Taking the reins in 2000, he coached the Magpies for 12 seasons, culminating in a memorable 2010 premiership victory — their first since 1990 — after a dramatic Grand Final replay against St Kilda.
Tributes Pour In
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon paid tribute to Malthouse’s enduring contribution to the game.
> “Mick was more than just a coach — he was a teacher, a philosopher of football. He leaves behind an indelible legacy that goes far beyond wins and losses. He shaped generations of players and influenced the entire coaching landscape.”
Former Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell, who played under Malthouse for most of his career, described him as a “father figure” and “the most inspiring leader I ever knew.”
> “Mick had a way of making you believe you were capable of more than you thought. He was tough, but always fair. Every one of us knew what the black and white guernsey meant because Mick made sure we did.”
The Coach of Coaches
Malthouse’s coaching tenure spanned three clubs and 718 games, a VFL/AFL record. In 2015, he surpassed the great Jock McHale’s record for most games coached — a moment he described at the time as “humbling and surreal.”
He was known for his tactical acumen, his fierce competitive spirit, and his fiery yet philosophical post-match press conferences. Though his time at Carlton (2013–2015) ended in controversy, his impact on the game remained unquestioned.
In 2019, he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, where he gave an emotional speech reflecting on the journey from a “battling player” to a “leader of men.”
A Life Beyond Football
Away from the spotlight, Malthouse was an avid historian, often drawing lessons from military and world history to inspire his teams. He also authored several books and remained active in the media as a columnist and commentator.
He is survived by his wife Nanette, three children, and several grandchildren. The family has requested privacy and announced that a public memorial will be held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground later this month.
As the football world mourns one of its most iconic figures, flags will fly at half-mast across AFL venues this weekend in honor of the man simply known to many as “Mick.”
—
Rest in
peace, Mick Malthouse — a coach, a mentor, a legend.
