COACH Simon Goodwin says the passing of Australian golfer – and Melbourne supporter – Jarrod Lyle is “incredibly sad news”.

Goodwin spoke about Lyle, who tragically passed away on Wednesday night after a long fight with cancer, at his weekly media conference at AAMI Park on Thursday.

“Our thoughts are with his family at the moment and I know our players have had some experiences with Jarrod over the journey – and it’s a very sad day,” he said.

“It’s an incredible journey that he’s been on and our thoughts at the moment are with his family.”

Goodwin added that this Sunday’s ‘Field of Women’ event for Breast Cancer Network Australia, before the match against Sydney Swans at the MCG, was a “special” occasion for the club.

“We had two ladies speak to the boys this morning about the challenges that they’ve faced – and some of the things that they’ve learned through that experience, and what this game means to them,” he said.

“It was a great thing to go through as a footy club and our players, and it brings a great deal of pride of what they can actually do for breast cancer awareness.”

“[The players] get a bit of perspective about real life. The things that you shouldn’t take for granted and you’re talking about mothers and partners of people, and they have young kids.

“So, just the journey that they go … and it’s being thankful for what you’ve got and the life that you live.”