'Grateful to hold her for her last 10 seconds': AFL star Tom Mitchell 'heartbroken' after dog dies in 'freak accident' at park

AFL star Tom Mitchell has shared his heartache following the death of his dog Macy in a "freak accident at the park".

In an Instagram post, Mitchell said the four-year-old golden retriever died over the weekend at a Melbourne park.

The Collingwood midfielder posted a collection of photos and videos, including images of him and younger sister Chelsea Mitchell sharing their final moments with Macy alongside Mitchell's other dog, Nala.

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"RIP Macy. The best memories over the last 4 years. Nala and I are heartbroken after a freak accident at the park," he wrote.

"We hope they have unlimited snacks and all of your favourite tv shows in dog heaven."

In the comment section, Mitchell also revealed two of his teammates had come to his aid.

"Big thanks to [Darcy Cameron and Billy Frampton] for helping me try and save her," he wrote.

The heartbreaking photo of Macy being covered by a blanket and Mitchell stroking her head has saddened his followers, with many leaving supportive comments.

RSPCA Victoria wrote, "Tom, we are so sorry and saddened to hear of your loss. Macy couldn't have been matched with a better human and doggo sibling.

"Thinking of Macy, yourself and Nala during this time."

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Mitchell has since posted about his loss on his Instagram Stories, thanking his followers for their support.

"The trauma of what happened will be there for a while," he wrote.

Mitchell mentioned his other golden retriever, Nala, has noticed the absence of her best friend.

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"Nala is noticeably effected. She cries at night and keeps looking around the house for Macy during the day," he captioned the photo, showing Nala watching TV.

"This is what Macy would be doing right now if she was still with us."

The Brownlow Medallist, who was traded from Hawthorn to Collingwood at the end of the 2022 season, has regularly posted pictures, stories and videos with his two pooches on his social media.