COACHING legend and Richmond 'immortal' Tom Hafey is in rehabilitation after undergoing successful surgery for a brain tumour.
The 82-year-old is expected to be released from hospital next week.
The Tigers released a statement on behalf of the Hafey family on Friday afternoon saying the four-time Richmond premiership coach was "focusing his full attention on his recuperation, using his renowned discipline and positivity, and is not available for any comment at this stage."
Hafey played for Richmond between 1953 and 1958 and led the Tigers to premierships as a coach in 1967, 1969, 1973 and 1974.
He also coached Collingwood, Geelong and the Sydney Swans in a 22-year coaching career.
Renowned for his disciplined personal training regime, Hafey was an inaugural inductee into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
He was named coach of Richmond's team of the century in 1998.
The Tigers encouraged fans to send their well wishes to Hafey's website, www.tomhafey.com.au, or email him at tom@tomhafey.com.au.
