AFL world mourning sudden death of much-loved great Warren Ralph

The AFL world are in mourning after the sudden death of former Carlton player and WAFL Hall of Famer Warren Ralph, aged 66.

Ralph enjoyed a stellar career for Claremont in the WAFL, as well as spending three years at the Blues and one at for Glenelg in South Australia.

The full-forward rose to prominence with a stunning debut for Carlton in the opening round of 1984.

He kicked nine goals in his first game, which remains the second-most in VFL/AFL history behind John Coleman (12).

Ralph finished the season with 55 goals, including eight in the qualifying final, to win the club’s goalkicking award. He also kicked 41 in the VFL that year.

But despite his goalkicking prowess, he only played another seven senior games across the next two season.

Before joining Carlton, Ralph dominated the WAFL with four consecutive league goalkicking awards.

After kicking 85 in his first season, Ralph reached the 100-goal mark in his next three years.

Speaking last year after being awarded retrospective Bernie Naylor Medals for topping the WAFL’s goalkicking tally, Ralph paid tribute to his coach Graham Moss.

“I loved kicking goals but that was what I was paid to do,” he said.

“I remember Mossy (Claremont coach Graham Moss) very early in my career. He said you are there to kick goals, if you think you can kick them kick them. I played footy for premierships and was privileged to play in three for Claremont.

“I had great guys in front of me kicking the footy. And it wasn’t just Jim and Phil (Krakouer). Mind you they were absolutely outstanding.

“This (Bernie Naylor Medal) is a nice bit of icing on the cake. I didn’t expect it.”

He returned to Claremont after his stint at Carlton, playing two more seasons either side of one year at Glenelg.

Across his entire senior career, he totalled 687 goals from 164 games, which included six appearances for the WA state team.

He was inducted into the WAFL Hall of Fame in 2019.

Tributes quickly came pouring in for the goalkicking great.

“Sad news out of Perth with the passing at 66 of Warren Ralph - Carlton’s 21-game full-forward who memorably booted nine on debut in the opening round of 1984 and eight in the ‘84 Qualifying Final, to earn the club’s goalkicking honours with 55 for the season. Vale,” Carlton historian Tony De Bolfo said.

“Sad and shock news with sudden passing of WAFL Hall of Fame inductee Warren Ralph. Three-time Claremont premiership star,” SEN radio host Tim Gossage wrote.

“Vale Warren Ralph. Extremely sad news overnight learning of the sudden passing of Claremont’s great full-Forward, aged just 66. 164 games (123 Claremont, 21 Carlton, 14 Glenelg, 6 WA), 686 goals (Cl, 563, Carlt 72, Glen 30, WA 21) Ave: 4.18 = elite. R.I.P,” Lost WAFL wrote.

“This is very sad news. Had professional dealings with Ralphy during his time at Contraflow here in Perth and loved hearing his stories. Great bloke who will be missed. RIP Ralphy,” one fan said.

“Oh no. Vale Warren Ralph. Thank you for some great memories,” another fan said.