The who’s who of Melbourne’s sport and entertainment worlds turned out to pay tribute to AFL legend Danny Frawley who died last week in a single vehicle crash.
Hollywood actor Eric Bana and Eddie McGuire were in attendance, as well as Garry Lyon, who stepped out with his partner – the ex-wife of his former best friend mate Billy Brownless. Billy also attended the crowded service in memory of his friend.
WATCH: Danny Frawley’s wife and daughters follow coffin at his heartbreaking memorial
Nearby hundreds of mourners gathered under blue skies at Moorabbin Oval, where a photo slideshow honouring Frawley was playing on screens before a live screening of the service, according to 7News.
Danny’s wife Anita Frawley and their three daughters, Chelsea, Danielle and Keeley also remembered him and opened up about his mental health in a touching video tribute played to crowds gathered at the service.
Anita said: “I think the one thing people aren’t aware of is Danny was suffering again.
“But he was suffering because bullet-proof Danny decided in January decided, ‘I don’t need medication anymore, I don’t need to do anything’.
“That changed his course. He had so much to look forward to, and mental illness is such a tough, tough, tough thing.
“There is no blame, everyone loved him, everyone did everything they could.
“The mistake Danny made was eight months ago when he went off that medication.”
Chelsea said: “He was my absolute idol … I know he’s my dad but he was also my best friend. And I don’t think many daughters can actually have that relationship with their parents.”
Keeley said: “He’s not really gone, I can just look in the mirror and I’d see him in me.”
While Danielle added: “He would always come in and say, ‘I love you to the moon and back, Danielle’, and he would always hug you for a bit too long. I just wish that he was here right now so he could give me one of those awkwardly long hugs.”
At the conclusion of the service, Frawley’s wife and daughters took part in a guard of honour that was formed at Moorabbin Oval as Frawley’s hearse made a final lap around the ground where he played 72 of his 240 AFL games, 7News added.
Former St Kilda teammates Robert Harvey, Tony Lockett and Stewart Loewe were among those at the funeral at Kingston Town Hall. The funeral was hosted by broadcaster Hamish McLachlan.
Garry Lyon, who attended with Nicky Brownless, said:
“I’ve never seen a father look prouder or a husband more proud of his girls and their achievements and accomplishments.”
The retired AFL star and media personality died last Monday in a single-car crash.
The car accident happened just one day after his 56th birthday.
The exact cause of the crash is being investigated by police, according to 7News.
In an effort to continue her husband’s fight against mental health issues, Anita Frawley urged anyone having problems to seek help in a heartfelt statement released on Monday.
“I would like to leave everyone with this quote from Danny, ‘Manning up in the past was to suffer in silence, manning up now is to put your hand up’,” she said.
Instead of flowers, Frawley’s family has requested donations be sent to Beyond Blue.
If you or someone you know needs help, contact: beyondblue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au; SuicideLine 1300 651 251; MensLine 1300 789 978; Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
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