The Essendon Football Club offers its sincere condolences to the family and friends of John ‘Killer’ Kilby, who sadly passed away aged 87.

'Killer' started at the club in 1965 as a trainer and worked at Essendon for 53 years, formally retiring in 2018.

He was Head Trainer at Essendon in the Premiership years of 1984, 1985 and 1993 and was part of the medical team for the 2000 Premiership.

President Dave Barham paid tribute to the impact 'Killer' had on the lives of so many players, coaches and staff – a man who committed himself to the red and black and gave incredible service to the club for the majority of his life.

“John Kilby was part of the fabric of the Essendon football club," Barham said.

"His contribution across almost 60 years as a volunteer was immense. He will be missed by everybody and we send our condolences to his family and close friends. Killler, thank you for all you have done for this club, you will never be forgotten”

Killer is a Life Member of the Essendon Football Club.

The AFL team will wear black arm bands today in round seven's clash against Geelong in his memory.