The Sydney Swans are saddened by the loss of former player Sanford Wheeler, who passed away on Tuesday, March 10 at the age of just 49.

Wheeler, born in California in 1970, made 43 appearances for Sydney between 1989 and 1994, was the first African-American to play in the VFL/AFL and is one of few Americans to have played in the league.

He had striking long hair and troubled the opposition with his pace at half-back or on a wing.

Wheeler is survived by his four children – Felix, Sanford II, Willow and River Rose – his grandson Kingston, his sister Jodie-Lee, his nephew Charles and his mother and father, Lillian and Ian.

The Sydney Swans extend their condolences to Wheeler's family.