by Lisa Albergo reporting from AFANA from Chicago
The West Coast Eagles and the entire League were stunned by the sudden death of former premiership champion Chris Mainwaring on Sunday, October 1. The 42 year old Mainwaring suffered seizures and a heart attack after a vigorous workout combined with the possible ingestion of ecstasy and marijuana. He was also reported to have been taking anti-depression medication. He was found unconscious at his home by paramedics and could not be revived. Mainwaring was due to compete in a kickboxing bout later in the week.
One of the last people to see Mainwaring was Ben Cousins. Mainwaring, who was coping with a number of personal issues including marital difficulties, had helped Cousins during his rehabilitation. Cousins knew of Mainwaring's problems and tried to support him. Cousins, at the request of Mainwaring's wife Rani, first visited Mainwaring earlier in the day and left after seeing that Mainwaring was alright. Mainwaring called Cousins later that night and again Cousins went to see him and again was assured that Mainwaring was OK and left about 10:00. Paramedics were called about an hour later, responding to reports of a man calling for help outside the house. Mainwaring refused their assistance and was left in the care of a neighbor. An hour later, ambulance officers were called back to the house by a neighbor. Mainwaring was found unconscious. He was taken to a Perth hospital and died a short time later. Mrs Mainwaring and the couple's children, Maddy, 8, and Zac, 6, were away on a holiday at a farm about 100 km east of Perth. Mainwaring was to have taken part in the Grand Final prematch entertainment, but canceled his planned appearance.
No sooner had the news broken that the tributes began to flow. AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said he knew Chris well and was deeply saddened by the news. He said Mainwaring was a great player and a great supporter of the game with his post-playing involvement as a Rising Star and All-Australian selector.
West Coast CEO Trevor Nisbett said Mainwaring had "...an infectious personality"...and would be sadly missed. According to Nisbett, Mainwaring had remained close to many of the current players and worked with some of the younger players. Club chairman Dalton Gooding said Mainwaring was "... an outstanding person, an outstanding footballer and a loving father and husband".
Ron Alexander, Mainwaring's first coach at WAFL club East Fremantle, said that Mainwaring's playing record and larrikin reputation belied a strong work ethic and that Mainwaring was one of the first footballers to properly use weight training. Alexander also coached Mainwaring as the inaugural senior coach with the Eagles in 1987. Alexander said Mainwaring's open personality sometimes exposed him to trouble off the field. In 1993, Mainwaring was arrested outside a Gold Coast nightclub for possession of cannabis. He also lost his drivers' license twice for DUI.
The club has decided to retire his No. 3 for three years and have named a wing at Subiaco Oval in his honor. The club also struck a medal in his name to be awarded to the best clubman.
CHRIS MAINWARING
BORN December 27, 1965
DIED October 1, 2007
RECRUITED FROM: East Fremantle (WA)
PLAYED: West Coast, 1987-99, 201 games, 84 goals
HONORS: premiership player 1992, 1994; 2nd best and fairest 1989, 1992, 1996; 3rd best and fairest 1987, 1988; All-Australian 1991, 1996; WA representative in eight matches 1987-92 (captain in 1991); West Coast life member 1994.
Last year, he was selected on a wing in the Eagles' Team 20, honoring the best players at the club since their first in 1987.
Source: Melbourne Age; Herald Sun, Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
Article last changed on Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 2:37 AM EDT
