ST KILDA is mourning long-time trainer Ken Whiffin who passed away on Saturday evening, aged 87.

Whiffin was a trainer, mentor, confidante and friend to generations of St Kilda players ever since his arrival at the club in 1965.

A close friend of then coach Allan Jeans, Whiffin first performed the runners duties in the 1966 finals series when regular runner Ron Wilson was ill. On Grand Final day, Wilson and Whiffin delivered messages and in the famous TV footage of the conclusion of the game they can be seen embracing Jeans.

Whiffin held the role from 1967 to 1975 before becoming a club trainer. In 1990 he was appointed head trainer, a role he held until 2007. Over the past six years he continued to work as a trainer at training sessions and in the rooms before matches.

In 2014 he marked his 50th year of service with the club.

For the last four to five years of his time at St Kilda, Whiffin did not travel interstate with the team but made one special appearance at Lenny Hayes’ last game against Adelaide in round 23. Hayes was one of many St Kilda players who would insist on having Whiffin tape his ankles before each game.

Whiffin was made a life member of St Kilda in 1987 and later made a life member of the AFL.

In 2004 was the inaugural winner of the John Moran Loyalty award, given to a club volunteer for selfless service to the club.

He won the AFL’s Jack Titus Award for Conspicuous Service in 2008 and the AFLCA Support Staff Leadership Award in 2009.

Aside from his time at St Kilda, Whiffin was actively involved with the Moorabbin Boxing Gym, where he worked closely with MOIRA Disability and Youth Services. Whiffin had a strong boxing background of his own, having sparred with international fighters throughout the 1940s and 50s.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt said Whiffin was a much-loved identity who was the fabric of the club.

“Ken was extremely close to the playing group and always gave encouragement and support when needed,” Riewoldt said.

“In a time when almost everyone involved in football clubs are paid employees, he did what he did for the love of the club and dedicated his life to St Kilda. Ken was the ultimate Saints man and will be sadly missed by all who had the good fortune to meet him.”

Ken Whiffin is survived by daughter Joanne and her husband Peter Brown.