Tasmanian football is mourning the loss of Lance Spaulding, one of the greats of the game, who passed away overnight.
Known affectionately as “Springer,” Spaulding had a long and distinguished career as a player and coach with several Tasmanian football clubs, including Sandy Bay, North Hobart, Hobart, Tassie Mariners, Tasmania Devils and Hutchins.
AFL Tasmania released a statement offering their condolences to Spaulding’s family and friends and thanking him for his enormous contribution to football in Tasmania.
Springer is being remembered for his ‘tremendous impact’ on the game both on and off the field, where he was known as a ‘larger-than-life character who gave so much to the sport he loved’.
The Hutchins School Old Boys Football Club, where Spaulding played and coached, also released a statement expressing their deep sadness at the news of his passing.
“No amount of words can adequately capture Lance’s influence on the Magenta and Black – not only as a Leader but also a bloke, confidant, friend and mentor to every individual he came across.”
“Springer’s legacy at this club will live on forever, his name etched in the 2022 senior premiership cup, but even more so the impact he has had on us as men and women will go on indefinitely.”
“Our deepest condolences are with Mandy, Connor and the Spaulding family in this difficult time.”
