'Way too young': AFL rocked by tragic death of Quenton Leach
The AFL world is mourning the death of former Fremantle player Quenton Leach.
An inaugural Fremantle squad member, Leach died after a battle with cancer on Monday.
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Leach, who was 47, played in the WA club's first AFL game and made 56 senior appearances between 1995-1998.
He famously kicked a goal after the siren against Brisbane in round eight of the 1997 season to steer the Dockers to a thrilling five-point win at Subiaco Oval.
Leach was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2016.
“I felt extremely fit and extremely good when I was diagnosed,” he said at the time.
“I never thought it would happen to me. It also happened when I was feeling strong and fit.”
AFL world mourns death of Quenton Leach
He was reportedly taken into palliative care this week and died on Monday afternoon.
Leach is survived by wife Shannan and three children.
Former West Coast captain John Worsfold, who crossed paths with Leach in four Western Derby matches, was among the leading football figures to pay tribute to the former Docker on Wednesday.
“It's tragic for his family to lose a young husband and father,” Worsfold said.
“He was a wonderful footballer and had a really strong career with Fremantle.”
Terribly sad news
Quenton Leach's Goal After The Siren 1997 https://t.co/S9LiB0v42V via @YouTube— Daniel Cherny 📰 (@DanielCherny) April 8, 2020
Sad day at a tough time. Such a good fella. Thoughts are with his family. One of the originals at Freo.
Champion bloke.— adrian barich (@adrianbarich) April 7, 2020
So sad to hear the news on @freodockers Quenton Leach passing, 47 years old is an absolute tragedy for his family and friends. Condolences to all loved ones. #RIP
— Craig Lambert (@lambose4) April 8, 2020
Our thoughts go out to the family of inaugural Docker and father-of-three Quenton Leach, who died after a long battle with cancer. https://t.co/iTDW6iGJ1f pic.twitter.com/6c45uZG0Kb
— The West Sport (@TheWestSport) April 7, 2020
Vale Quenton Leach
The inaugural @freodockers player has lost his battle with cancer at just 47 years old. May he Rest In Peace #ForeverFreo pic.twitter.com/PLGaU46GLf— MickSohbishi (@Mick_Soh) April 8, 2020
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Quenton Leach, one of the inaugural Fremantle Dockers. Only 47 years old. Still remember his goal after the siren to beat Brisbane. Condolences to his family and friends.
— Ronny Lerner (@RonnyLerner) April 8, 2020
R.I.P Quenton Leach
— Jordan Klingsporn (@JordsThfc) April 8, 2020
RIP Quenton Leach
47 is way too young to be taken#fuckcancer#foreverfreo— W.A.Dad (@grazinggoat66) April 8, 2020
with AAP