East Geelong is again mourning the loss of a former player, following the death of 2009 premiership star Chris Hilet.
Hilet, 39, and friend Alexander Black, 30, were killed when a ute they were passengers in rolled off a road near Skipton in Victoria’s west last Thursday night.
Hilet, who also played locally for North Shore, Drysdale and Inverleigh, and with Colac and District club Apollo Bay, was among the Eagles’ best players as they broke a 16-year premiership drought by beating Bell Post Hill by 21 points.
“Chris had two stints at our great club,” East Geelong said in a tribute on Facebook.
“The first as assistant coach and back pocket in our 2009 senior premiership team, and the second as an assistant coach for the reserves in 2017 and 2018.
“Across that time he was also a regular supporter cheering on the maroon and gold.
“Chris was always full of energy, and we will dearly miss that cheeky smile (and the silky left foot).”
Tributes also came from the Noradjuha/Quantong and Wickliffe/Lake Bolac clubs.
“Chris was a player and coach of the club during his two-year stint with the Bombers in 2010-11 and was a key part of lifting the senior side to a preliminary final appearance in 2010,” Noradjuha/Quantong posted.
“As well as his on-field performances, where he played 38 games for 29 goals, he was a well-liked figure around the club and leaves behind many lasting friendships.”
Wicklifee/Lake Bolac wrote: “It is with profound sadness that we inform you that we have tragically lost two incredible young men from our community and footy club.”
Incoming Wickliffe/Lake Bolac coach Nathan Kenyon, who most recently was an assistant coach at Corio, also paid tribute.
“Chris Hilet was a true club man and a huge reason I’m coaching here,” Kenyon wrote.
“He stood for standards, loyalty, and doing things properly. He loved this club and always looked after his own.
“We’ll carry that forward. We’ll do it the right way, and we’ll do you proud.”
Hilet’s passing comes only weeks after former Eagle Toby Stewart lost his battle with bowel cancer.
The driver of the ute, a 21-year-old man from Mirboo North, remains in hospital and will be interviewed by detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit at a later date.
X: @krockfootball
