Richmond are in mourning after recruiting guru Chris Toce died on Wednesday morning following a battle with an aggressive form of cancer.
The 42-year-old died surrounded by family after a brave fight in recent months, the Tigers said.
The club announced the devastating news at the AFL trade deadline after a day that set the stage for Toce and his team to take a leading role at the draft next month.
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Toce, who remained at work before his health deteriorated, only joined the club as national recruiting manager at the start of the season following long stints with St Kilda and Collingwood.
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with Chris’s family, his wife Mel, and two children Sophia and Harry,” list boss Blair Hartley said.
“We were so excited to bring Chris to the club in March, because of the fantastic person he was and his accomplishments in the AFL industry as a recruiter.
“Chris quickly established himself as a key part of our team.
“His professionalism and commitment to the job was only matched by his warm and easy-going nature that enabled him to quickly build relationships across the entire club.
“He was a Richmond person and his passion for the club and our future was evident from day one. We will miss him dearly.”
Tigers chief executive Shane Dunne said they are “devastated” for Toce’s family and friends.
“Our thoughts are with his wife Mel and their two children Harry and Sophia,” he said.
“We will do everything we can to support them at this incredibly difficult time, and of course into the future.”
Toce’s former employer St Kilda extended their “deepest sympathies” to his family.
“Chris was a talented recruiter and a warm and kind friend and colleague to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Vale, Chris Toce,” the club said.
AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon paid tribute in a statement.
“Chris was widely respected by everyone in the football community and played a pivotal role in identifying and recruiting talent to the clubs he worked for over the past 15 years,” he said.
“We send our deepest sympathies to Chris’ wife Mel and children Harry and Sophia, his extended family and loved ones, along with all the staff and players at the Richmond and St Kilda Football Clubs and the wider AFL recruiting and list management community at this time.”
Toce’s scouting work this year will be realised when Richmond use several top picks into next month’s draft.
Having traded out premiership players Liam Baker, Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli, the Tigers hold picks No.1, No.6, No.10, No.11, No.18, No.20, No.23 and No.24.
Toce was described by Richmond as a “renowned talent identifier” when he was appointed in March.
“Thanks to Blair Hartley and Tim Livingstone for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” Toce said in the club statement.
“I am eager to work with our team of recruiters and to help add to the talent that is already in the door.”
Hartley said Toce was the standout candidate in the interview process.