More than 3000 people gathered in northern Tasmania for the state funeral of AFL legend Darrel Baldock, a man farewelled as a "champion of champions".

Baldock, who captained St Kilda to their only premiership in 1966 and later coached the club, died last week in northern Tasmania aged 72.

Guests including St Kilda coach Ross Lyon and captain Nick Riewoldt, former Saints greats Robert Harvey and Danny Frawley and Tasmanian Premier Lara Giddings attended the service at Latrobe Football Ground on Friday.

Celebrant Jan Wells told the crowd of more than 3000 of the humility of a man she called a "true legend, a champion of champions".

"With all the accolades, `Doc' never once forget from where he came," she said.

"He was a rare human being."

Triple Brownlow medallist and fellow Tasmanian Ian Stewart said it was a dream come true to play alongside Baldock, his childhood hero, at St Kilda.

"I worshipped him," he said.

"As a young fellow, all I wanted to do was play football with Darrel - not necessarily St Kilda, I just wanted to play with Darrel."

Stewart said Baldock reminded him of a "prize fighter" because of the crowd that followed him to games.

"Wherever `Doc' went, there was an entourage of helpers," he said.

"They would fight over who was going to carry his jockstrap."

Deputy Premier Bryan Green paid tribute to the years Baldock spent as a cabinet minister in the Tasmanian government.

"He was a rare servant of the people of Tasmania," Green said.

"A man who got the tough jobs done quietly and behind the scenes.

"All of those jobs needed leaders and that's what Darrel Baldock was. He didn't just tell you what to do, he showed you how."

Biographer Peter Lyons said Baldock was the finest sportsman Tasmania had produced.

"Sadly the king is dead ... however all of us know that there will never be another Darrel Baldock," he said.

He recalled an occasion where Baldock kicked six goals "with one arm taped to his chest".

Lyons said a crowd of 5,000 once turned up to a district cricket match because they heard Baldock was going to play.

At the end of the service, a hearse carrying Baldock's casket did a lap of the ground, with present and former Latrobe players forming a guard of honour.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP