The Australian Federal Police officer who killed himself in the force’s Melbourne headquarters was a former St Kilda football player.
Malcolm Scott died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday and was discovered by colleagues about 9am at the La Trobe Street building.
The 59-year-old played 10 games and kicked 26 goals for the then-VFL club in 1979-80 and played one game for Sydney in 1985.
AFP officer Malcolm Scott, a former football star, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on Saturday morning
He then served for decades with the Victorian Police and joined the AFP in the mid-2000s, including as Perth Airport police commander in 2006.
‘It is not possible to put into words the grief and acute impact today’s loss will have on all within our close knit AFP family,’ AFP commissioner Andrew Colvin said.
‘My thoughts are with his loved ones and the broader AFP family.’
Mr Scott was also mourned by players and fans of the Ballarat Football League where he played for the Sebastopol, North Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, and Avocca clubs.
The 59-year-old played 10 games and kicked 26 goals for the VFL club in 1979-80 and played one game for Sydney in 1985
He then served for decades with the Victorian Police and joined the AFP in the mid-2000s, including as Perth Airport police commander in 2006.
He played hundreds of games for the four clubs, winning four premierships and was the competition’s highest goal kicker three times.
Mr Scott coached numerous local teams as well as playing for Ballarat in inter-league matches, and was inducted into the league’s hall of fame.
Just three years before his death he teamed up with the AFL Papua New Guinea’s development officers to run community clinic programs for PNG youths.
‘Malcolm you have gone too soon but will live on in the hearts and memory of the Cobra family,’ Bacchus Marsh FC wrote on its Facebook page.
Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said the death was not suspicious
‘A fantastic guy and touched so many people in the community. He was the first person to get me involved in football- something I will never forget,’ a friend wrote.
‘Malcolm such a wonderful man, who always had time to speak to you no matter where you ran into him,’ another said.
‘Scotty was a huge influence to so many of us both on and off the ground. Struggling to find the right words to describe what a great man he was,’ a third said.
‘A respected veteran police officer and admired AFL coach, he quietly commanded respect, and his deeds and mannerisms made him a stand out as a true gentleman,’ a police advocate organisation said in a tribute.
Mr Scott was discovered by colleagues about 9am at the La Trobe Street AFP building
‘His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who had the privilege to meet him.’
Commissioner Colvin said the Victorian Police would investigate Mr Scott’s death and prepare a report for the coroner.
His death is the second at the building this year, after a female officer died in February also from a non-suspicious shooting.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.