AFL great Tommy Hafey faces the toughest fight of his life as he battles a second bout of cancer.

The legendary Richmond premiership coach had an operation to remove a brain tumour in early March, but has now been hospitalised with complications.

The club has confirmed Hafey’s predicament and after speaking to Hafey’s wife, Maureen, said he was in good spirits.

Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale said Hafey, 82, had the support of all involved with Richmond.

“He’s fighting and he’s been a fighter all his life, Tommy,’’ Gale said.

“He’s tough as teak and we’re confident given his incredible mental strength, physical dedication and wholesome life, we’re confident he’ll prevail. There’s plenty in Tommy’s tank yet.’’

Several of Hafey’s former players — who have an incredible bond with Hafey — have visited him in hospital.

“We were aware he had had an operation and aware he was back in hospital and things were looking up and all his faculties were with him,’’ Gale said.

‘’But he had slowed up a little.’’

Hafey coached the Tigers to premierships in 1967, 1969, 1973-74.

He was the first non-Collingwood person to coach the Magpies and took the club from the wooden spoon in 1976 to the Grand Final in 1977, his first year there.

He coached the Tigers from 1966-76, Collingwood from 1977-82, Geelong from 1983-85 and then was lured to Sydney, where he coached three years from 1986-88.

His coaching record was 521 games coached for 336 wins, 181 losses and four draws, one of which was the famous drawn Grand Final in 1977.

Gale said Hafey was loved by the players he coached.

“They’re getting around him,’’ Gale said. “The players love him, it’s incredible.’’

Hafey is honoured at Richmond with the naming of the Tom Hafey Club, a coterie group which will hold a luncheon next week. Hafey, who is feted at every luncheon, is not expected to attend.

“Tommy is always the guest of honour,’’ Gale said, ‘’and the players love seeing him.’’

Hafey was known as a coach who took great interest in his players’ lives outside football.

To some, such as Kevin Sheedy, he was a virtual father figure.

“They speak with such affection about Tommy,’’ Gale said.