Remembering the lives of football legend Kevin ‘Cowboy' Neale (78), and award-winning actress Joy Chambers-Grundy (76)
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Australian Football League (AFL) and Neighbours fans alike have been left reeling from the news that Kevin ‘Cowboy’ Neale, an iconic figure in Australian football, and Joy-Chambers Grundy, an award-winning actress and best-selling author, have passed away at ages 78 and 76 respectively.
This marks a particularly sombre period for Australian sports enthusiasts and avid TV drama viewers.
Kevin Neale, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018, was a much-loved figure at the St Kilda Football Club.
'Cowboy was truly a beloved figure at the Saints, not only among his teammates and fans but by those who worked alongside him at the club long after his playing days,' the club said.
Neale has played 256 games for the Saints since he was recruited from South Warrnambool in 1965, this includes playing for the club’s one and only premiership in 1966—a match highly remembered for his five-goal haul, which won them the grand final by a point.
The club remembered Neale for his 'renowned for his great physical strength' and 'exceptional skills for a big man', which allowed him to play as a key defender or forward.
In 1971, he was thrust into the spotlight after he knocked out Hawthorn’s superstar forward, Peter Hudson. Neale eventually expressed remorse about the incident, saying it was 'a pretty ordinary' effort.
'I certainly didn’t go into it with that idea in mind,' Neale said.
Hudson reportedly did not have any ill feelings towards Neale because ‘he couldn’t remember' the final.
Neale later became captain-coach of Canberra team Ainslie and led the ACT team to four premierships and a famous victory over a Victorian team in a pre-cursor to State of Origin. He also coached Central District in the SANFL before returning to St Kilda, where he worked in the marketing department and was president of the Past Players Association.
The news of Neale’s death has caused a wave of shock and sadness amongst the AFL community. On social media, his club, fans and players alike have paid tribute to Neale.
'Truly a larger-than-life character in every way, Cowboy was always able to engage with people across various generations,' the St Kilda club said in a statement.
'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.'
While St Kilda AFLW team was seen wearing black armbands over the weekend in honour of Neale.
You can read St Kilda’s full statement below:
Meanwhile, radio personality Dee Dee Dunleavy said Neale was the reason she started supporting St Kilda.
'My primary school teacher (a Saints supporter) used to tell me about a man named Cowboy who could fly through the air, and I was captivated,' Dunleavy said..
'He’s an absolute hero of our club. Rest in Peace, great man.'
A second fan added: '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.'
Lastly, veteran AFL journalist Rohan Connolly expressed his grief over Cowboy’s death and said: 'Oh no, now another great footy person has left us.'
'Kevin “Cowboy” Neale was an absolute star for St Kilda at either end, and as much as discussion around the famous 1966 premiership is always about Barry Breen’s point, it was Neale’s five goals [that] really won the flag. RIP Cowboy.'
On the other hand, another heartbreaking news came from the Australian entertainment world as it was reported that beloved Joy Chambers-Grundy passed away in her sleep, surrounded by loved ones. She was 76 years old.
Chambers-Grundy was born in Ipswich in 1946 and was an immensely talented woman.
She was best known for her roles in The Restless Years, The Young Doctors, and Neighbours, and was also a best-selling author, poet, philanthropist, and businesswoman.
In her final years, Chambers-Grundy focused on writing, with seven books listed on her website. Her last book, entitled The Soldier’s Choice, was released in 2014.
'Joy will be remembered as a Logie award-winning actress, a best-selling author, a poet, a philanthropist, and an exceptional businesswoman who worked alongside her husband to build one of the largest independent production companies in the world,' said Chambers-Grundy’s family in a statement.
Chambers-Grundy married media mogul Reg Grundy in 1971 and has been with him until his death in 2016. His production company was known for producing hit shows such as Prisoner, The Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters, and Neighbours.
This sad weekend served as a great reminder of the impact Neale and Chambers-Grundy had on their respective communities and that they will always be remembered and cherished for their great contributions.
Rest in peace, Kevin Neale and Joy Chambers-Grundy.
Members, were you avid fans of Kevin 'Cowboy' Neale and Joy Chambers-Grundy? Share your favourite stories of these two stars with us in the comments below.
This marks a particularly sombre period for Australian sports enthusiasts and avid TV drama viewers.
Kevin Neale, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2018, was a much-loved figure at the St Kilda Football Club.
Kevin Neale (78) and Joy Chambers-Grundy (76) have passed away over the weekend. Image sources: St Kilda Football Club (left), joychambers.com (right).
'Cowboy was truly a beloved figure at the Saints, not only among his teammates and fans but by those who worked alongside him at the club long after his playing days,' the club said.
Neale has played 256 games for the Saints since he was recruited from South Warrnambool in 1965, this includes playing for the club’s one and only premiership in 1966—a match highly remembered for his five-goal haul, which won them the grand final by a point.
The club remembered Neale for his 'renowned for his great physical strength' and 'exceptional skills for a big man', which allowed him to play as a key defender or forward.
In 1971, he was thrust into the spotlight after he knocked out Hawthorn’s superstar forward, Peter Hudson. Neale eventually expressed remorse about the incident, saying it was 'a pretty ordinary' effort.
'I certainly didn’t go into it with that idea in mind,' Neale said.
Hudson reportedly did not have any ill feelings towards Neale because ‘he couldn’t remember' the final.
Neale later became captain-coach of Canberra team Ainslie and led the ACT team to four premierships and a famous victory over a Victorian team in a pre-cursor to State of Origin. He also coached Central District in the SANFL before returning to St Kilda, where he worked in the marketing department and was president of the Past Players Association.
The news of Neale’s death has caused a wave of shock and sadness amongst the AFL community. On social media, his club, fans and players alike have paid tribute to Neale.
'Truly a larger-than-life character in every way, Cowboy was always able to engage with people across various generations,' the St Kilda club said in a statement.
'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.'
While St Kilda AFLW team was seen wearing black armbands over the weekend in honour of Neale.
You can read St Kilda’s full statement below:
Meanwhile, radio personality Dee Dee Dunleavy said Neale was the reason she started supporting St Kilda.
'My primary school teacher (a Saints supporter) used to tell me about a man named Cowboy who could fly through the air, and I was captivated,' Dunleavy said..
'He’s an absolute hero of our club. Rest in Peace, great man.'
A second fan added: '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.'
Lastly, veteran AFL journalist Rohan Connolly expressed his grief over Cowboy’s death and said: 'Oh no, now another great footy person has left us.'
'Kevin “Cowboy” Neale was an absolute star for St Kilda at either end, and as much as discussion around the famous 1966 premiership is always about Barry Breen’s point, it was Neale’s five goals [that] really won the flag. RIP Cowboy.'
On the other hand, another heartbreaking news came from the Australian entertainment world as it was reported that beloved Joy Chambers-Grundy passed away in her sleep, surrounded by loved ones. She was 76 years old.
Chambers-Grundy was born in Ipswich in 1946 and was an immensely talented woman.
She was best known for her roles in The Restless Years, The Young Doctors, and Neighbours, and was also a best-selling author, poet, philanthropist, and businesswoman.
In her final years, Chambers-Grundy focused on writing, with seven books listed on her website. Her last book, entitled The Soldier’s Choice, was released in 2014.
'Joy will be remembered as a Logie award-winning actress, a best-selling author, a poet, a philanthropist, and an exceptional businesswoman who worked alongside her husband to build one of the largest independent production companies in the world,' said Chambers-Grundy’s family in a statement.
Chambers-Grundy married media mogul Reg Grundy in 1971 and has been with him until his death in 2016. His production company was known for producing hit shows such as Prisoner, The Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters, and Neighbours.
This sad weekend served as a great reminder of the impact Neale and Chambers-Grundy had on their respective communities and that they will always be remembered and cherished for their great contributions.
Rest in peace, Kevin Neale and Joy Chambers-Grundy.
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Mr Barassi 
️ fanatic and actually says the same thing. 
is completely different to baseball 
️
