Jack Clancy, 71, died on Wednesday after being diagnosed with cancer last year. 

His passing was acknowledged at Wednesday night’s annual Ovens and Murray Hall of Fame induction.

Clancy himself was added to the hall in 2009 after a stellar career which included being part of Corowa’s 1968 premiership team and Morris Medals in 1970-71.

Flag-winning teammate Fred Longmire said Clancy’s deeds, which included three grand final goals, were sewn in Corowa’s football fabric.

“He’s a folk hero of football in Corowa,” the Federation Shire councillor said.

“He was part of the glory that happened and had a large part to play in it and went on to coach Corowa.

“He had a footy brain, even with today’s footy you could talk to him about it and his understanding was superb.”

Born and raised in Melbourne, Clancy came to Corowa to play a practice match with West Heidelberg YCW when he was tempted to join the Spiders under the coaching of former Richmond great Fred Swift.

After his 98 matches with Corowa and a return stint in Melbourne, Clancy coached Albury in the Ovens and Murray from 1976-80.

In 1981 he went to Ovens and King league club Chiltern as coach and steered the Swans to a flag in 1982 which came after undefeated season.

Chiltern stalwart Kevin Mayhew, who as club president recruited Clancy, lauded his contribution.

“He created a wonderful legacy for young people at the club and he will be sadly missed,” Mr Mayhew said.

“Jack was a great storyteller and could be relied upon to talk to our young kids and given them the benefit of the experience of his vast knowledge.”

Mr Mayhew said that Clancy was a “great orator” and loved football.

“He understood where the game came from and the history of the game,” he said.

“He coined the phrase ‘Proud to be a Swan’ in Chiltern and to this day we use it.”

In 2002, Clancy, who also coached Chiltern for two years in the 1990s, marvelled at his days there.

“The four years I had at Chiltern footy club were more enjoyable than anywhere I have been,” he told The Border Mail.

"We had four years of non-friction footy.

"I never had one argument at Chiltern footy club ever and that is very rare indeed.”

Clancy also had a run at Walla in the mid-1980s.

He attended a 50^th anniversary reunion for the Corowa premiership team in May.

Mr Clancy is survived by his wife Christine, children Lisa, Shaun and Justin and two grandchildren, including Jaara Moran who plays for the Albury reserves.