All at the Melbourne Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dean Bailey.
The Players, Staff and Directors extend their deepest sympathies to Caron, Mitch and Darcy.
Related: Dean Bailey timeline
Josh Mahoney who was coached by Dean at Port Adelaide and later worked with him at Melbourne said: "Dean's contribution to the game over his life was significant as a player and coach.”
“From a personal perspective, Dean had an influence on a lot of the decisions I have made in my life. After first meeting him at Essendon in 2001, he was a major influence in me getting drafted by Port Adelaide, as well as entering coaching with the Melbourne Football Club.
“I know I will always remember him as a close mentor and friend, as will all the staff and players who knew him at Melbourne.
“His love for the game of AFL was infectious on everyone who came in contact with him. It took him across the country, chasing his dream of coaching and developing people and players.
“Bails had a dry sense of humour, and even in the toughest times he was often the man who would break the ice with a quick one liner.
“Dean was a committed and devoted family man to wife Caron and sons Mitch and Darcy; our thoughts are with them at this time.
Dean was appointed coach of the Melbourne Football Club in 2007.
He coached the Demons in 83 matches from 2008-11.
Prior to his coaching career, Dean also played 53 matches for Essendon from 1986-92.
He started his coaching career with Mt Gravatt in Queensland in 1998-99, before becoming a member of Essendon’s coaching staff in 2000-01. He was part of the Essendon coaching panel, which helped secure the 2000 premiership against Melbourne.
Dean then moved to Port Adelaide, where he was involved in its inaugural premiership win over the Brisbane Lions in 2004.
He was part of the Power’s coaching staff from 2002-07.
More recently, Dean was innovation and strategy coach of Adelaide.
