Sean King dead at 60: Another tragedy rocks the AFL as pioneering West Coast Eagles star passes away just days after receiving top honour
Former West Coast Eagles and West Perth star Sean King has tragically died aged 60, following a short illness.
The inaugural Eagle had been battling cancer and passed away on Wednesday.
It comes after King was honoured by West Perth on Sunday, with the club presenting him with a life membership.
Tributes have been pouring in for the former wingman, with the Eagles writing on Thursday: ‘The West Coast Eagles are saddened by the passing of inaugural squad member Sean King on Wednesday after a short illness.
‘The Club sends heartfelt condolences to King’s family, friends and loved ones.’
King began playing football for West Perth in 1986.
He would go on to play 60 matches for the club, returning 48 goals.
West Coast Eagles and West Perth are mourning the death of former star Sean King, who passed away on Wednesday following a battle with cancer
It comes after King was awarded a lifetime membership by West Perth on Sunday
The West Coast Eagles were founded in 1986, but did not enter the VFL until the following year. King would be called up to play for the footy club as part of their inaugural 1987 squad.
He would play one VFL match for the West Coast in the final round of the club’s debut season, booting two goals against St Kilda while also returning 21 disposals to spur the side on to victory.
One footy fan recounted King’s performance during that match.
‘He played very well,’ they told Channel 7.
‘He got 21 possessions and kicked 2 goals. He was very unlucky not to get any more games for the Eagles. R.I.P.’
After leaving West Perth in 1989, King would return to play 10 matches for East Perth in the WAFL during the 1991 season before hanging up his boots.
West Perth Football club offered their condolences to Kings relatives and friends and adding that it was an ‘honour’ to present him with life membership at the weekend.
‘The West Perth Football Club family extends our deepest sympathies to his wife Anita and children, Jordan, Hannah, Tom, and extended family,’ the Falcons wrote in a statement.
Many from the footy world have paid tribute to the former West Coast star following his passing
The Eagles wrote on X: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of inaugural Eagle Sean, who sadly passed away yesterday after battling cancer’
‘Sean’s involvement with West Perth Football Club spans over three decades, during which he has made an indelible impact on the club’s success and community spirit.
‘Sean played 60 games for the West Perth Football Club, showcasing his skill and commitment to the game. His abilities were recognised as an inaugural squad member of the West Coast Eagles.
‘After his playing career, Sean continued to serve West Perth as the League Runner from 2002 to 2018. Sean played a key role in the club’s on-field success, including being a Premiership Runner in both the 2003 and 2013 Premierships.
‘Sean was a great bloke, with an infectious personality and was loved by all players, staff, and volunteers.
‘It was an honour for the West Perth Football Club to present Sean with his truly deserved Life Membership on Sunday in front of his family, friends and the West Perth past players and coaches.’
Friends and former team-mates have also paid tribute to King.
‘Sad news, gone way too early,’ an ex-teammate said.
‘Champion bloke and premiership teammate. A great teacher of the game to so many young fellas. RIP legend.’
