Ray Nilsson: key obituary facts
Is Ray Nilsson dead? Yes. Ray Nilsson died on October 9, 2026, at age 87.
Cause of death: Ray Nilsson's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Ray Nilsson known for?
He was an Australian rules footballer.
More about Ray Nilsson
Born: 26 November 1938.
Gender: male.
Occupation: Australian rules football player.
Ray Nilsson, an Australian rules footballer who played for Melbourne and South Melbourne, died October 9, 2026, aged 87.
Born on November 26, 1938, he played in the VFL during the early 1960s, a period in which his career took him from Melbourne to South Melbourne. Nilsson was a member of Melbourne’s 1960 premiership team, entering the side from the bench.
At Melbourne, he played as a rover and in the forward pocket, roles that put him among the club’s attacking options. His move to South Melbourne in 1964 brought a change of position, and he played on the wing for the club. Nilsson also made an impact in finals football. In the 1962 semi-final against Carlton at the MCG, he kicked four goals, the highest single-game tally of his career. The milestones of his VFL career included a place in a premiership side, a transfer between the two clubs and a notable performance in a finals match. They reflect the different roles and contributions recorded across his seasons with Melbourne and South Melbourne.