‘He was a competitive beast’: Team mates and fans among mourners to farewell AFL star Colin Sylvia

AFL greats have congregated on the Victorian border to farewell former Melbourne champion Colin Sylvia.

They were joined by hundreds of mourners in Mildura, who spilled out of the chapel in a funeral home into the bright sunshine.

Sylvia was tragically killed in a car crash on October 28 after a day out with mates.

He would have celebrated his 33rd birthday yesterday.

Mourners included ex-Melbourne footballers Clint Bizzell, David Neitz and Nathan Jones.

The casket of Colin Sylvia is carried out following his funeral in Mildura on Friday – the AFL star died in a car accident last month

Mourners at Colin Sylvia's funeral on Friday - the AFL star was laid to rest following a car accident last month

Mourners at Colin Sylvia’s funeral on Friday – the AFL star was laid to rest following a car accident last month

Mourners console one another at Colin Sylvia's funeral on Friday in Mildura - the AFL star died following a car accident last month

Mourners console one another at Colin Sylvia’s funeral on Friday in Mildura – the AFL star died following a car accident last month

But it was a touching tribute by former teammate Brent Maloney that brought both tears and laughter.

He remembered Sylvia as ‘The Kid’, ‘Col’ and ‘Hank’.

Sylvia played 157 games for the Demons, kicking 129 goals, before a short stint at Fremantle that ended his career with injury.

Maloney described Sylvia as a champion on and off the field.

‘He was the most talented player I’ve ever come across. He could do anything on the field,’ he said.

‘He was a competitive beast who was always up for a challenge.’

Maloney recounted tales of on and off-field battles and paid tribute to his mate’s strength and toughness.

A standing ovation was given for Sylvia as the team song of his beloved Demons was played.

The service began with Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ to the sound of cries from Sylvia’s mum Lynne.

Others to pay tribute included Sylvia’s little sister Kasey, dad Craig and his ‘Granny Pa’ Bob Smith.

While Mr Smith spoke of a loving bloke who rose to the greatest heights of AFL football, he touched on Sylvia’s much publicised inner demons.

AFL star Colin Sylvia (pictured) was laid to rest on Friday after he passed away last month

AFL star Colin Sylvia (pictured) was laid to rest on Friday after he passed away last month

Colin Sylvia's father Craig (pictured left) is comforted after laying his son to rest on Friday in Mildura

Colin Sylvia’s father Craig (pictured left) is comforted after laying his son to rest on Friday in Mildura

Mindy Jory (pictured left) was dating AFL player Colin Sylvia before his tragic passing

Mindy Jory (pictured left) was dating AFL player Colin Sylvia before his tragic passing

Sylvia’s death came just as he appeared to finally be getting his life back together after a series of embarrassing scandals.

‘He like most people had the good times and the bad times … Colin wasn’t perfect,’ Mr Smith said.

‘As we know, human beings make mistakes. And he had his fair share. But generally his heart was in the right place. He cared and showed compassion. So I see him as a good man.’

Sylvia was thought to be speeding when he lost control and crashed into the car of his mate at the intersection of Nineteenth Street and Benetook Avenue, not far from where he was farewelled.

Investigators believe Sylvia may have lost sight of the vehicle ahead of him and with the speeds involved was unable to react in time.

 

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