Tucky was just tough and he knew no different.’Tucky required surgery for his fractured scapula and less than one week after the procedure, Foley was moving house.But while Tuck could often be mild-mannered off the field, he was also known to stick up for his mates when he needed to, according to midfielder Brett Deledio.Back pocket defender Andrew Collins wrote that Tuck had a way of inspiring those around him.‘You don’t have to solve their problems – just do what Tucky did for each of us – just show them you’re there for them, because everyone needs a mate like Tucky.’Shane Tuck, a Life Member of Richmond Football Club, died on Monday.
Tucky was our brother – he always had our backs, no matter what.’Michael Tuck holds the premiership trophy after winning the 1989 AFL Grand Final‘It stuck with me because he wasn’t naturally a super vocal leader, but he was naturally a really genuine caring person,’ Vickery said.In a powerful article for the AFL Players website, his former teammates shared their fondest memories of a ‘warrior’ and ‘brother’ who deeply cared for those around him.‘Tucky turned up that day to help unpack the truck,’ he said.The emotional tributes follow those of his father Michael who urged others battling with mental illness not to suffer alone.‘Now I don’t know if Tucky was watching or not, but personally I think he smelt something brewing and before I knew it he was standing right beside Dad, as he was lecturing this other Buck, saying ‘Right we going Block (Dad’s Nickname) or what?’ Deledio said.‘Tucky was ready to take on the whole pub if one of his mates needed him to.Tuck played 173 games for Richmond between 2004 and 2013 and kicked 74 goals.Former Carlton player Brendan Fevola (left) and Shane Tuck greet each other during the round one AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2015He recalled his Bucks party at the Shamrock Hotel in Echuca when a drunk trouble-maker began ‘elbowing’ Deledio.Forward Tyrone Vickery said Tuck had given him inspiring advice that helped him through his career when others were labelling him a ‘list clogger’.‘Unfortunately, with where the world is currently at, we aren’t able to get together to celebrate the life of our mate Tucky,’ he said.Hawthorn great Michael Tuck pictured with his children, Renee (left) Shane (centre) when he was nine years old, and Travis (right)‘Believe in yourself and don’t listen to the outside world,’ Tuck told Vickery.‘He was as loyal as they come, ran straight, shot straight and was a downright funny bugger, even though he didn’t always know he was.
Five of his closest friends who played alongside him at the Hawthorn Hawks shared some emotional personal stories about what the 38-year-old meant to them. Tuck is pictured with wife Kat ahead of the 2012 Brownlow Medal‘Tucky was grimacing as he ran around with his elbow tucked into his stomach to provide some stability to shield him from the pain he was feeling. He is pictured in 2003 with the newly designed Michael Tuck Medal awarded to the best player in the Wizard Cup Grand Final‘When you look back on your sporting career you never forget the people that truly try to help you succeed, especially when you’re at your most vulnerable at the start of your career, he said.‘In round seven, 2013, in the game against Port Adelaide, Tucky fractured his scapula in the third quarter. Both Richmond and GWS extend their deepest sympathies to his wife, Kat, and children Will and Ava and his parents and his extended family and friends. He was a favourite among Richmond fans. Tuck played 173 senior matches for the Tigers between 2004 and 2013.
Teammates of Shane Tuck have paid tribute to their ‘tough’ and ‘loyal’ mate, who tragically died earlier this week after a lifelong fight with depression.
I’ll miss the honesty, the quirkiness, but most of all I’ll just miss the bloody top bloke you were.’‘In the heat of battle, in the middle of the MCG, it’s easy enough and not uncommon to just think of yourself, but that wasn’t Tucky.’A heartbroken Jake King wrote: ‘I love ya brother, you are and always will be a warrior and a brother to me.’Fellow midfielder Nathan Foley recalled just how tough Tuck was on and off the field.Farewell: Shane Tuck walks off with team mates after his final match with the Tigers in 2013. His former teammates also pleaded with anyone who suspects any of their mates might be in trouble to reach out.Shane’s father Michael (pictured) is the Hawthorn Football Club record holder for the most senior games (426), most finals (39), most grand finals (11) and most premierships (7). He lost his battle with the black dog of depression on MondayShane Tuck (pictured) is the son of Hawthorn Football Club record holder Michael TuckMidfielder Dan Jackson said the group wrote the article to honour Tuck because friends and family were unable to meet up and share a beer due to the coronavirus pandemic.Instead he wrote: ‘Tucky was tough – he was a warrior – but he was also loyal, caring, and genuine.
“He struggled with serious mental illness for a long, long time.”The AFL has honoured former Richmond star Shane Tuck as Tigers players linked arms in an emotional moment to honour their former teammate.“A fierce and courageous competitor on-field and much loved off-field. It includes both on-field and off-field deaths. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.”Richmond stars have appeared openly emotional as the AFL paid respect to Shane Tuck with an emotional minute of silence before the Tigers’ clash with the Giants on Friday night.Before the first ball-up, Tuck’s former Richmond coach Terry Wallace wrote on Twitter: “Regardless of the result tonight I hope the Tigers play with the spirit of Shane Tuck. AFL star Shane Tuck's wife Katherine, commonly known as Kat, was visibly distraught and shaken at her late husband's Pakenham ceremony, in Melbourne's southeast, on Tuesday. Included are players in professional and college football who have died of any cause.