Essendon Football Club is mourning the death of Nell Hutchison, who passed away peacefully on Friday morning, aged 87.

Nell, the wife of seven time Essendon best and fairest winner and dual Brownlow Medallist Bill Hutchison, is survived by her two sons Bruce and Ray. 

Bill Hutchison died at 59 years of age in 1982.

Essendon premiership player and teammate of Hutchison Jack Jones said Nell will be deeply missed. 

“Nellie was a lovely lady, very warm and very welcoming,” Jones said.

“Bill Hutchison, Dick Reynolds, Les Gardner and I were all great mates and the passing of Nell is extremely sad,” Jones said.

Essendon Chairman David Evans said the thoughts of the Essendon family were with the Hutchison’s during this tough time.

“The Hutchison name is synonymous with the red and black and on behalf of the Essendon Football Club, our prayers and best wishes are with the family,” Evans said.

The funeral will be held on Thursday 31 March at 2pm, W.D. Rose and Joseph Allison Funerals , 941 Mount Alexander Road, Essendon VIC 3040.