The Tasmanian government has offered a state funeral to the family of AFL Legend Darrel Baldock, who died on Wednesday.

Baldock, 72, passed away on Wednesday evening at the Mersey Community Hospital at Latrobe in Tasmania's north.

He may have only played 119 games for the Saints in the 1960s but he will be remembered as one of the club's most-revered figures.

Baldock captained St Kilda to their only flag in 1966 and is regarded as one of the more skilful players in the game's history.

A gifted cricketer, he played briefly for Tasmania before concentrating on football.

A lifelong Labor supporter, Baldock was a member of state parliament for 15 years and served as a cabinet minister.

Premier Lara Giddings on Thursday said the government had offered Baldock's family a state funeral.

"I am very sorry to hear of Darrel's death and my thoughts and best wishes go to his family at this difficult time," she said.

"Ultimately the decision on whether a state funeral will be held will be made by the family and we want to give them the time and the space to grieve their loss."

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Richard Colbeck said Baldock had made a massive contribution to the state in football and politics.

"Darrel's passing is a major loss to football both at a local and national level," he said.

"We may be on different sides of politics but I recognise that Darrel made a terrific contribution to Tasmania as a Labor Minster.

"Darrel was one of those people who just had something special about him, from his early days right throughout his entire life."

Also paying tribute to Baldock on Thursday was state Greens MP Basil O'Halloran.

"My first-ever pair of football boots had Darrel Baldock's name emblazoned along the sides and featured leather stops and hi-top sides," he said.

"On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens I would like to express our condolences to the Baldock family and my personal sadness at the loss of one of the greatest North West Coasters ever."

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