Essendon Football Club is mourning the passing of Harry Horsnell.

Harry passed away on Saturday. He was 80.

A Life Member, Harry’s association with the Club stretched back around 40 years. 

He worked as a statistician during Kevin Sheedy’s time as Coach.

“Harry loved the Essendon Football Club with a passion,” Sheedy said. 

“He was sincere in his effort and tenacious in his loyalty. 

“He was well before his time with his statistical analysis of the game.

"I put him on a similar level to the AFL’s great stats man, Col Hutchinson.

“Harry was that good.

“I spoke to him recently and thanked him for his contribution and I’m very glad I did.”

Harry has been a constant presence at Essendon’s training sessions in recent years where he served as a fan liaison officer working closely with colleague and close friend, John Shaw.

“He was a very down to earth person, he was experienced in many things and he was great company,” Shaw said.

“I’ll miss his stories and I’ll miss his help around training.

“There were two things he loved; his family and the footy club.”

Fellow Life Member and former player and assistant coach Robert Shaw said Harry embodied the selflessness and loyalty of the volunteers who play such an important role in football clubs.

“Harry was a part of the place when I arrived at the Club as a 17 year old,” Shaw said.

“He was the master of manual statistics in the days before Champion Data and Sportscode.

“Harry was so methodical and never lost his passion for stats. He’d have plenty of interesting stuff tucked away. 

“His contribution as a volunteer was absolutely outstanding and underlines the value of a person who dedicates his life to a football club for no financial reward.”

Essendon Captain Dyson said Harry well a much-loved figure among the playing group.

“Harry was a great man, he was always very bubbly and would be kicking around the footy club with a smile on his face,” Heppell said.

“He loved the Club, loved the people around the place and he’s certainly someone that made the Club a better place.”