The family of former AFL star and coach Danny Frawley have said they are "totally shocked and devastated" by the loss of "a remarkable man who touched the lives of many", a day after he died in a car crash in western Victoria.

Key points: Frawley's family said they were devastated but full of pride for a "remarkable man"

Frawley's family said they were devastated but full of pride for a "remarkable man" They said his work tackling mental health stigma "encouraged acceptance"

They said his work tackling mental health stigma "encouraged acceptance" There will be a moment of silence for the former star player during the weekend's matches

Frawley was a potato farmer from Bungaree who became one of the AFL's best-known faces, captaining St Kilda in the 80s and 90s, coaching Richmond in the 2000s and bringing the game to radio listeners and television viewers as a commentator later on.

He died a the scene of the single-car crash in Millbrook, near Ballarat in Victoria, on Monday afternoon.

His death, a day after his 56th birthday, shocked and saddened the football community and drew outpourings of grief from across Australia.

"The Frawley family are devastated, but full of love and pride for a remarkable man who touched the lives of many," the family said in a statement.

"To some he was known as an AFL footballer, coach and media figure."

"But to his wife Anita and their three daughters; Chelsea, Danielle and Keeley, Danny was a loving husband and a devoted dad. Danny adored his family."

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Watch Duration: 1 minute 44 seconds 1 m 44 s Danny Frawley went from being a potato farmer to a legend of the AFL. (Photo: AAP: Dave Hunt)

Frawley had been open about his struggles with his mental health in recent years and used his platform to encourage others to seek help.

"He worked hard to use his profile to remove the stigma associated with depression and encouraged acceptance and support for those who suffered with mental health issues," the family said.

The Frawleys said they would remember his "infectious laugh" and "easy charm".

"His legacy and love of his family will never be dimmed. Forever in our hearts."

Frawley spoke publicly about his depression in the last years of his life. ( Facebook )

Moment of silence planned for finals matches

The AFL confirmed Tuesday it would be holding a moment of silence at both finals matches on the weekend to acknowledge Frawley's life and legacy.

"Prior to the national anthem, the competing clubs will come together as players, umpires and fans stand as one, to pay tribute to the man universally known as 'Spud'," the league said in a statement.

All four competing clubs — Geelong, West Coast, Brisbane and Greater Western Sydney — will wear black armbands "as a mark of respect to the former St Kilda Captain, Richmond Coach, AFLCA Chief Executive, AFL Life Member, current All-Australian selector and football media personality".

"Danny was a friend to everyone in footy and his passion for the game, from the elite to the grassroots was unmatched," AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said in the statement.

"Whether you knew him as the St Kilda Captain, the Richmond Coach, or the loveable guy on the TV or radio who always made you smile, the acknowledgement this weekend is a way for everyone to pay tribute to the man we all knew and loved."

Tributes were left at St Kilda Football Club as fans grieved Frawley's death. ( AAP: Michael Dodge )

Read the family's statement in full: