Hafey, who coached Richmond to four premierships and Collingwood to five Grand Finals, died of cancer on Monday.
Collingwood President Eddie McGuire
“It wasn’t simply the incredible success he enjoyed as a coach that stood him apart from so many. It was what he stood for. He lived the life he wanted his players to live. If he could do it, they could do it. He was often referred to as a player’s man, which is true, but I think he was also a club man in the sense that he built not only great teams but great clubs. He left an indelible mark on the Collingwood Football Club as he did with the hundreds of thousands of people he met through his passion for football.”
Former Collingwood captain Ray Shaw
“He kept it simple. Get fit, be hard at the ball and get it down to the forwards as quick as possible. It was basic but inspiring. There was never any confusion. You knew what was required and where you stood with Tommy.
"One of the first memories I have of him is him pushing himself as hard as any of us in the pre-season runs around Studley Park. It was hard not to respect someone like that...he would ring up on a Friday night before a big game or a final and have a chat about things – he knew as players we would have our minds on the game on match day – get a feel for your mood and make you feel like you really mattered. You didn’t want to let him down."
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse
"Tommy coached me for half a season, but that half a season established a bond that was alive and well up until this afternoon. He was an amazing man. You get blessed when your first two coaches are the late Allan Jeans and now the late Tommy Hafey. They teach you so much about life and so much about football and I think the secret is the fact that both men were not just football coaches. Tommy will be well remembered as a great man, not only as a great coach, but a great teacher of men and boys."
I had the privilege to meet Tommy Hafey. He was such an inspirational man, I do push ups every morning thanks to Tom. #RIP #Legend
— Craig McRae (@flybags4) May 12, 2014AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou
"Australian Football is mourning Tom Hafey, who numbers among just 14 individuals recognised in our history for service to the game as one of our great coaches. Tom Hafey built teams and clubs to be successful, guided young men to be successful both on the ground and off their ground in their lives and, above all, simply loved our game.
"A man who brought sustained success to Richmond in the 1960s and 1970s after two decades in wilderness, Tom built a feared side that claimed four flags from five Grand Finals and then he revitalised the fortunes of Collingwood, taking the Magpies to a Grand Final in 1977 the year after a wooden spoon and five Grand Finals in all, without achieving the ultimate success.
"Through each of his stints at four clubs, Tom championed fitness, teamwork, morale and dedication, and lived those ideals to the fullest with his personal creed of five Ds that 'Desire plus Dedication plus Discipline plus Determination equals your Destination'.
"Tom's record of 522 games as a senior VFL/AFL coach is exceeded by just four men in history and he was a loyal and trusted friend to thousands across our game, who are feeling his loss deeply today."
Richmond CEO Brendon Gale
"Tommy means so much to Richmond. He has had an enormous influence on so many people connected with the club.
"His coaching achievements at Tigerland are legendary, and he was a constant source of inspiration to the yellow and black.
"Tommy was a fine example of how to get the most out of life. His mantra of hard work, discipline, dedication, persistence, honesty, loyalty, integrity, good health and vitality, was not only the recipe for success on the football field, but success in his wonderful life."
AFL Coaches Association CEO Danny Frawley
"In 2011 Tom was inducted as a 'Coaching Legend' of the AFLCA, joining John Kennedy Snr. and Ron Barassi. This honour was due recognition of this individual's massive influence on the game of Australian Rules.".
AFL legend and five-time premiership player Francis Bourke
"I’m devastated as I’m sure all of us fellow players of Tom’s are. I’m very grateful, especially as a young man, to have come under the tutelage, the influence and good example Tom Hafey gave.
"He gave so much of himself to us as his players. It was a privilege to be part of all that with him at the helm.”
Dual Richmond premiership player Rex Hunt
"The fondest memories are that the legacy continued on until Tom passed and they’ll continue on forever more. He was interested in you as a person and if he was interested in you as a person, he was interested in your family.
"It was the confidence I got through the leadership of Hafey and him letting me be as good as I could be, I’ll take it to my grave. I’m forever indebted. Each and every person at that club is proud to call Tom a friend."
Sydney Swans CEO Andrew Ireland
"Tom will be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in AFL history, and while at the helm for three seasons, he certainly made his mark at the Swans at an important time. He has been an iconic figure in the game and his passing will be felt by a great many across the industry.
"On a personal level, I was fortunate to be coached by Tom during my career at Collingwood, including the 1977, 1979 and 1980 Grand Finals. He was an outstanding mentor and a great motivator who demanded the highest level of professionalism from his players."
Geelong CEO Brian Cook
"I know from talking to those around the club during his time as coach that he left a positive impression during his time at Geelong. Tom was a man of fine character who made an indelible mark on Australian football. The premierships he won at Richmond and his overall record are obvious, but in talking to past players such as Neil Balme, Gareth Andrews and Steve Hocking, it is clear that he made a major impact on them as people in addition to his role as coach. As a mark of respect our players and officials will wear black armbands on Saturday in our game against Fremantle."
