Premier Roger Cook has described John Todd as “a leader, a teacher – a proud Western Australian who changed young lives forever“ as the West Australian football icon was celebrated on Wednesday.

Football luminaries from grass roots to the elite level farewelled Todd at a State memorial service at Optus Stadium after his passing in June, aged 86.

“Anyone who knows West Australian footy knows the name John Todd,” Premier Cook said.

“Named the best footballer in the State before he could even order a pint at the pub, he demonstrated determination and resilience to defy injury and become a coaching legend.

“John Todd wasn’t just a prodigious footballing talent, he was a leader, a teacher – a proud Western Australian who changed young lives forever.”

As many as 500 guests attended the memorial service, which honoured one of the most influential figures in WA sporting history.

A panel of AFL and WAFL greats Tony Micale, Stephen Michael and Peter Sumich and sports writer Robbie Burns reflected on Todd’s legacy, while Essendon, Richmond and GWS legend Kevin Sheedy sent a video message.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Minister for Sport David Templeman, AFL chair Richard Goyder, West Coast CEO Don Pyke, along with greats John Worsfold, Peter Bell, Ross Glendinning and Phil Narkle. The service featured a tribute from representatives of Deanmill Football Club, where Todd played junior football, and opening and closing remarks from commentators Glenn Mitchell and Adrian Barich.

Todd’s widow Meryl Todd was supported by a large family contingent as well as four-time Sandover medallist Bill Walker. Todd was born in Manjimup in 1938 and died in June aged 86.

The gifted junior was heralded as one of the best players the State had seen when he won a Sandover Medal in 1955 for South Fremantle at the age of 17.

Just a handful of games into his second senior season, the rising star suffered a crippling knee injury.

He returned with his left knee supported by a cumbersome brace and still went on to win two more best-and-fairests in 132 games at South Fremantle, along with 13 games for his State.

He was a member of the WA team that won the 1961 national carnival, earning All-Australian status.

Todd left his biggest mark as a coach — leading East Fremantle, South Fremantle and Swan Districts to a total of six WAFL premierships and taking the West Coast Eagles to their first finals series in 1988.

At one stage he held the record of being both the youngest (at 21) and oldest (62) senior coach in WAFL history. He was the first West Australian to coach 700 senior games.

Todd retired from coaching in 2002 and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame the year after.

Prior to the service, the John Todd Coaches’ Room — a function space between the two coaches’ boxes at Optus Stadium — was unveiled.

The service was televised live on Channel Seven.