The AFL is mourning the loss of one of the figures that made the game as great as it is today – Lou Richards.

Richards was a legendary figure in his playing days, kicking 423 goals in 250 games from 1941-55 and captaining Collingwood to the 1953 premiership. But it was his post-playing career life where he blazed a trail for many to follow in the football media industry.

He set the standard for footy panel talk shows alongside Bob Davis and Jack Dyer on League Teams, a standard that has probably never been matched and was also hilarious on World of Sport.

As well as his high-profile television roles, he was also a regular newspaper columnist and radio commentator.

In 1982 he was one of the few football identities to be awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) for his services to sport.

Richards and his late wife Edna – whom he often described as his best friend – were together for 60 years before her death in 2008 at the age of 87.

Richards is survived by daughters Nicole and Kim, along with five grandchildren.

What are your favourite memories of Louie the Lip?