John Schultz: Footy great dead aged 85 as tributes flood in for legendary Brownlow Medal winner and team of the century entrant

The footy world is in mourning following the death of Western Bulldogs legend John Schultz.

Schultz is an icon among Bulldogs fans owing to his tenure with the Footscray Football Club in the 1950s and 1960s, where he played 188 games.

His incredible performances led to his winning of the Brownlow Medal in 1960.

The defender was also named in the back pocket in the club’s team of the century. He died aged 85. 

‘Vale John Schultz. The club would like to pay tribute to one of our greats, John Schultz, who has passed away at the age of 85,’ the Bulldogs said in a statement posted to X on Sunday.

‘Gentleman John’ played 188 games for FFC and represented Victoria 24 times, winning a Brownlow in 1960, All-Australian honours in 1961, and five club best and fairest awards.’

Schultz was chosen to present the premiership cup to 2016 captain Easton Wood and coach Luke Beveridge in 2016.

Peter Le Grand, former Melbourne Racing Club and Mayor of Waverley, said: ‘Today the Bulldogs have lost a legend and a magnificent man in John Schultz.

The Western Bulldogs legend presented the 2016 team with the premiership cup 

He was named in the club’s team of the century and won the Brownlow in 1960

‘I saw him play nearly every game and never a poor one. I loved him as a friend and magnificent player, my all-time favourite. RIP John, with Elaine and your brother Robert. Thanks for the memories.’

Andrew Gigacz, who was behind the scenes during that 2016 triumph before authoring his book Against All Odds, paid tribute to Schultz. 

‘Sad to hear we’ve lost one of Footscray’s finest, John Schultz,’ Gigacz said.

‘Chatted to Schultz a few times in my work with the Western Bulldogs, and I’ve just finished writing his bio for a new club history (out next year). Lived up to his ‘Gentleman John’ moniker in every way. A huge loss.’

More to follow.