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AAP
AAP
National
Tim Dornin

Kerley died from medical episode

SA police say football identity Neil Kerley died from a medical episode ahead of a car crash. (AAP)

South Australian football identity Neil Kerley died from a medical episode ahead of a car crash last month, a police investigation has determined.

Police said on Wednesday the 88-year-old's death would be removed from the SA road toll but provided no further details.

His death was originally attributed to the crash on Mallee Road at Walker Flat, east of Adelaide, on June 29.

The finding came ahead of Monday's state funeral for the Australian Football Hall of Fame member.

A full house is expected at Adelaide Oval for the ceremony with many AFL identities likely to attend.

The event will also be live-streamed over the internet.

"This will be an opportunity to hear from family and friends and celebrate what the man brought to South Australia, to our community and particularly to our great sport of Aussie rules," the Acting Premier Susan Close said last week.

Dr Close said Kerley's family was grateful to be able to share their farewell with all of the people who loved and respected him.

"They are looking forward to a day that they will regard as much as a day of celebration as a moment of mourning," she said.

Kerley made his mark on Australia's home-grown football code as an outstanding player, coach, administrator and media figure.

Affectionately nicknamed "Knuckles", he played 276 games for West Adelaide, South Adelaide and Glenelg, and represented his state 32 times.

He also coached five SANFL clubs to a total of four premierships.

When the Adelaide Crows entered the AFL in 1991, Kerley was appointed their inaugural football manager as a key support figure to first-year coach Graham Cornes.

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