Daniel Patrick "Danny" Frawley (8 September 1963 – 9 September 2019) was an Australian rules footballer, coach and media commentator. Renowned in the Australian Football League (AFL) community for his long association with St Kilda Football Club as a player and leader, Frawley later moved into coaching and broadcasting while remaining a prominent and sometimes outspoken voice in the game. He was widely known by the nickname "Spud." Australian rules footballer
Playing career and on-field role
Frawley spent the bulk of his senior playing career with St Kilda, where he established himself as a durable and respected defender and club leader. During his time as a player he captained the club for several seasons and was regularly recognised for his toughness, organizational skills in defence and competitive spirit. His presence helped define St Kilda's backline across more than a decade of VFL/AFL football.
Coaching and media work
After retiring as a player, Frawley moved into coaching and football administration. He was head coach of the Richmond Football Club between 2000 and 2004, a period in which he guided a rebuilding list and remained a familiar figure in the league. Following his senior coaching tenure he worked in various coaching and advisory roles, including part-time specialist defence coaching duties at St Kilda. In the media he became a popular commentator and analyst, working for broadcasters including Fox Sports and contributing to football coverage across television and radio.
Personal background and family
Born in Ballarat, Victoria, Frawley maintained strong connections to Victorian football circles throughout his life. He came from a footballing family: he was the nephew of Collingwood player Des Tuddenham and the uncle of James Frawley, who played at AFL level for clubs including Hawthorn. Frawley combined his on-field experience with media work and community engagement, frequently offering commentary on the game's players and issues.
Death and legacy
On 9 September 2019, Frawley died in a single-vehicle car crash near Millbrook, Victoria. He was 56 years old. His passing prompted widespread tributes from clubs, teammates, commentators and supporters who remembered him for his leadership, passion for the game and forthright personality. In the years since his death his name has continued to appear in discussions about player welfare, coaching pathways and the cultural life of the AFL.
Notable roles and timeline
- Long-serving player and on-field leader at St Kilda Football Club (St Kilda).
- Senior coach of Richmond Football Club (2000–2004).
- Media commentator and analyst for outlets including Fox Sports.
- Part-time specialist defence coach at St Kilda and ongoing mentor to younger players.
- Connected by family ties to other AFL figures, including Des Tuddenham and James Frawley of Hawthorn.
Frawley's life and career remain a subject of interest for fans and historians of the sport. Born in Ballarat, his story reflects the trajectory of a prominent Victorian footballer who moved from club leadership into coaching and national media, leaving a complex legacy in the modern AFL era.