- Football legend John Schultz dies aged 85
- The Bulldogs legend won the Brownlow Medal in 1960
- He was named to the Bulldogs’ Team of the Century.
The football world is in mourning following the death of Western Bulldogs legend John Schultz.
Schultz is an icon among Bulldogs fans due to his time with the Footscray Football Club in the 1950s and 1960s, where he played 188 games.
His incredible performances earned him the Brownlow Medal in 1960.
The defender was also named in the club’s team of the century. He died aged 85.
“Ok John Schultz. The club would like to pay tribute to one of our greats, John Schultz, who passed away at the age of 85,” the Bulldogs said in a statement posted to X on Sunday.
‘Gentleman John’ played 188 games for the 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 championship cup to 2016 captain Easton Wood and coach Luke Beveridge in 2016.
Former Melbourne Racing Club and Waverley Mayor Peter Le Grand said: ‘Today the Bulldogs have lost a legend and a magnificent man in John Schultz.
The football world is in mourning following the death of legendary John Schultz
The Western Bulldogs legend presented the 2016 team with the championship cup.
He was named in the club’s team of the century and won the Brownlow in 1960.
“I saw him play almost every game and never a bad one. I loved him as a friend and as a great player, my all-time favourite. Rest in peace, John, with Elaine and your brother Robert. Thanks for the memories.”
Andrew Gigacz, who was behind the scenes during that 2016 triumph before writing his book Against All Odds, paid tribute to Schultz.
“It’s sad to know that we have lost one of Footscray’s finest, John Schultz,” Gigacz said.
‘I spoke to Schultz a number of times in my work with the Western Bulldogs and have just finished writing his biography for a new history of the club (due out next year). He lived up to his nickname of ‘Gentleman John’ in every way. A great loss.’
We will continue to report more.