St Kilda premiership hero Kevin ‘Cowboy’ Neale dies age 78 after long health battle

• Saints legend Kevin Neale has died at age 78
• Neale was a beloved figure at the club
• Was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018

By James Cooney For Daily Mail Australia

St Kilda premiership player Kevin Neale has died overnight at the age of 78.

Just a day after AFL icon Ron Barassi passed away, the footy world is again mourning another legend of the sport.

Neale, was a member of the St Kilda side that won the club’s only VFL/AFL premiership, kicking five goals when they defeated Collingwood by a point in 1966. 

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018.

‘Renowned for his great physical strength as a footballer, he was also blessed with exceptional skills for a big man which enabled him to play as either a key defender or forward,’ a St Kilda club statement read. 

Kevin Neale has died overnight at the age of 78 after a long health battle

The Saints legend was a member of the St Kilda side that won the club’s only premiership

‘Truly a larger than life character in every way, Cowboy was always able to engage with people across various generations.’

‘His health struggles in recent times were well-publicised, and his teammates regularly visited him in Albury as a group.

‘Through the difficult times his wife Georgina was always a constant pillar of strength and the club extends its deepest sympathies to her and the Neale family.

‘Vale, Cowboy.’ 

Kevin Neale was a five-goal hero in the 1966 GF and a St Kilda Team of the Century member but also had a huge impact on Canberra footy, including as captain-coach of the 1980 ACT team that upset Victoria. One of the most beloved Saints. RIP Cowboy 💔🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/WIFuBA3xS6

— Darren W (@manikato888) September 17, 2023

Known as ‘Cowboy’, Neale was named in the club’s team of the century and hall of fame and won the club’s best and fairest award in 1973.

Neale played a then-club record 256 games and remained involved with St Kilda  well after he retired from the sport.

Neale made headlines for an incident during the 1971 final against Hawthorn where he knocked out opponent Peter Hudson.

The big bump was discussed years later by Neale and Hudson in an interview on Fox Footy’s ‘Open Mike’ in 2012.

Known as ‘Cowboy’, Neale was named in the club’s team of the century

‘It was a pretty ordinary effort,’ Neale said.

‘I certainly didn’t go out there with that in my mind.’

Hudson said he had no hard feelings towards Neale.

‘Only from not being able to remember the game,’ Hudson said.

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St Kilda premiership hero Kevin ‘Cowboy’ Neale dies age 78 after long health battle

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