Two-time Essendon premiership player and South Australian football commentator Wally May has died aged 84.

In the same week as the AFL mourns the death of player, coach and television identity Bob Davis, the game in SA will also fondly remember May's role as a commentator.

May was one of the first special comments men in television coverage of SANFL matches.

Fellow commentator Max Hall would throw to him with the line "comment, Wally May" and it became a local catchcry.

He was the son of Charlie May, also an Essendon player, and had a 94-game VFL career for the Bombers from 1947-'52.

The ruckman played in Essendon's 1950 and '52 premiership teams before taking a year off so he could gain a clearance to SA side Sturt.

May played 54 games for the Double Blues and won their best and fairest award in 1955, as well as representing his adopted state twice.

He was also captain-coach at Sturt in 1956.

May was remembered as a hard-as-nails player who was well liked off the field.

According to The Advertiser newspaper in Adelaide, May died on Monday and had a private funeral on Friday.

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