Merv Neagle, who played for the Essendon and Sydney clubs during the 1970s and 80s, was driving a fully loaded grain truck along Kidman Way when he lost control of the vehicle at Tharbogang at about10.20am.

Griffith Police are working to establish the exact cause of the accident, but Inspector Kim Traynor said she believed the heavy B-double had crossed onto the wrong side of the road while navigating an S-bend.

The truck rolled over and crashed into an orange grove with the trailer flipping over and crushing the cabin, trapping the 54-year-old driver inside.

Inspector Traynor said it was raining at the time and the wet conditions may have played a part in the accident.

Three ambulance crews attended and John Murphy from Griffith Ambulance Station said Mr Neagle was deceased when paramedics arrived.

“Paramedics were able to assess the driver through a small gap in the wreckage,” Mr Murphy said.

“But he was found to be deceased.”

Mr Neagle’s body remained trapped in the wreckage for most of the afternoon as rescue crews worked to free him.

Crime scene investigators and RTA heavy vehicle inspectors examined the scene.

The truck had been loaded in Hillston and was the only vehicle involved in the crash.

Originally from Dimboola, Mr Neagle will be remembered as a talented footballer who began his

AFL career with Essendon Football Club and finished second in the 1980 Brownlow Medal.

After he retired from the AFL in 1990, Mr Neagle went on to coach and play for a number of clubs across Australia.

In March this year, Mr Neagle signed on as coach of Walla Football Club.