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Former AFL star Colin Sylvia has died aged 32.

Retired AFL star Colin Sylvia, 32, has been killed in a car accident outside Mildura, in Victoria’s northwest on Sunday afternoon.

Melbourne great Garry Lyon broke the news of the former Demons and Fremantle player’s death to SEN radio listeners on Monday morning.

“Colin was taken really early in the draft, I think pick number three, was a really talented footballer at the Melbourne footy club,” Lyon said.

“Our condolences and sympathies are extended to Colin Sylvia and his family and friends.”

Many players, football fans and former teammates expressed their shock and grief on social media.

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Melbourne football club’s Brett Maloney told of the pair’s closeness along a gallery of photos of his former teammate.

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“Words can’t describe how I’m feeling!!! We were always side by side no matter where we were.

“I’m gonna miss you brother.”

St Kilda’s Sam Fisher also expressed his condolences to Sylvia’s family.

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According to police, the crash occurred when two cars collided – but the cause is still being determined.

The driver of the other vehicle was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police say.

Sylvia played 157 games for Melbourne, before announcing his retirement while playing for Fremantle in 2015.