Greater Western Sydney GIANTS coach Kevin Sheedy has expressed his sadness at the passing of former Essendon premiership player Merv Neagle.

"I want to pass on my sincere condolences to Merv's family during this very sad time. My thoughts are with his wife Donna, his five children and all his relatives and friends," he said.

"I was lucky enough to coach Merv and he was not only a brilliant footballer but was also a real character and a highly respected teammate and friend to many people.

"Merv was a very tenacious, hard running player and his courage and toughness were typical of Essendon teams of that era. He had great physicality for a wingman and was a terrific kick for goal on the run.

"He also gave a lot back to country football after he retired and along with Tim Watson was one of the finest players to come out of Dimboola. Merv has left us all too soon but has left those who knew him with many great memories."

Merv Neagle played 147 matches with Essendon between 1977 and 1985 before joining the Sydney Swans where he played a further 56 matches before retiring in 1990. He was a member of the 1984 Essendon premiership side and runner-up in the 1980 Brownlow Medal.