AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon today said the football industry was deeply shocked and distressed by the death of football journalist Sam Landsberger.

Mr Dillon said the thoughts of all those in football were with the Landsberger family and friends, all NewsCorp and Herald Sun staff and in particular the sports department where Sam worked for the past 14 years.  He said the AFL’s thoughts were also with the Western Bulldogs where the Landsberger family had a long association through Dr Jake Landsberger, Sam’s father, serving as the club’s medical officer for more than two decades.

“Sam has been taken from his family and friends in a terrible tragedy today and all our love and care go out to them in this time of greatest need,” Mr Dillon said.

“Across more than a decade, Sam has been building his impressive journalistic career and was respected for both his tenacity for chasing a story and his incredible passion for the game.  We know his death has had a devastating impact on those who worked with Sam at News and Foxtel and his many friends across the football and media industries. 

“We send our sincere condolences to Sam’s family and to his work colleagues but also our thoughts are with all those across the football industry and the football media for whom Sam was both colleague and friend.

“The AFL will formally acknowledge Sam’s passing at tonight’s launch of the AFLW season in Melbourne and send our sincere condolences to his many friends.”