‘One of a kind’: sporting identity John Forbes dead at 79

Mr Forbes had amassed an enormous sporting memorabilia collection, including many personalised tokens from A-list sporting stars he had helped during their careers. The collection is now on permanent public display in Rochester.

Rob Clohesy, President of the Mitiamo Football Netball Club of which Mr Forbes was a lifetime member, said his club was in shock after the death.

“He’s just the heart and soul of our football club, we’re just totally gutted at the moment,” he told The Age.

In 2017 the club renamed its oval to honour Mr Forbes’ legacy, and Mr Clohesy said the season this year would also be named in his honour.

“He was a life gentleman, he had the time for everybody,” he said.

Police will prepare a report for the coroner.