The AFL are rallying around the family of Ashlee Good, daughter of ex-North Melbourne player Kerry Good, who was tragically killed in the horrific Bondi Junction knife attack.
The 38-year-old died hours after she and her baby daughter were stabbed in the shocking attack on Saturday.
Kangaroos players donned black armbands for their match against Geelong, with North coach Alastair Clarkson becoming visibly emotional as he spoke about the situation pre-game.
‘Kerry’s been a significant part of our club for a long time, it’s just so sad. Ashlee and that beautiful little girl, not going to have a mum — it breaks our hearts.
‘What breaks our hearts even more is humanity, this is happening in our country. We’re going to get the same excuse … we’ve got to do something about it. There’s got to be a time where it just stops.
‘The strange part about it, you get to the next day and all these boys (players) get to do what they just love and that’s been denied to Ashlee and five other families.
Roos president Sonja Hood said the club was ‘tremendously saddened’ by the incident in Bondi.
‘Like all Australians, we were horrified to see the awful details coming out of Sydney on Saturday,’ Hood said.
‘To learn later that Ashlee and her daughter were victims in this tragedy really brings something like this close to home.
‘Our thoughts and condolences go to all those impacted by the awful events, especially to Ashlee’s partner Daniel Flanagan, Kerry and Dian, Ashlee’s mother Denise, and Ashlee’s extended family and friends.
‘Kerry and his family are incredibly important people in our club’s history and we offer them our love and support through what is an unimaginably difficult time.’
Good was well known in the Melbourne community and close friends with ex Demons player Steve Febey who posted a heartbreaking tribute to her on Sunday morning.
‘Words fail me, absolutely shattered,’ Febey posted to social media alongside a series of photos of himself and Good together.
‘Can’t comprehend how this could happen to the most amazing, beautiful and caring human.
‘I will always cherish our friendship, five stars, and the great times we shared. Love ya forever Ash xx.’
