Cockerill worked in the Australian football media industry for more three decades, most recently as a Fox Sports commentator and Sydney Morning Herald journalist.

He reported on hundreds of domestic and international matches, attended six FIFA World Cups and covered three Olympic Games.

In 2011, Cockerill was inducted into Football Federation Australia's (FFA) Hall of Fame.

Cockerill's death comes less than a month after the passing of football icon Les Murray.

As well as being a tremendous advocate of the game, Cockerill was a passionate football participant. For years Cockerill played for Mosman in the Manly-Warringah Football Association, while in 2017 he was a registered over 45s player for Fraser Park.

Cockerill’s passion for football journalism began when he was 10. As a player for Lane Cove in Sydney, Cockerill would write match reports and keep meticulous records of his games in a scrapbook.

Such was his love of the game, Cockerill’s football journalism hobby was always destined to evolve into a football journalism career.

FFA Chairman Steven Lowy AM paid tribute to Cockerill: “Mike’s passion for football was immense. He put decades of dedication into doing all that he could as a journalist to bring the game to the people of Australia.

"Without his contribution, football would not have the stature it has in Australia today, which is why he was inducted into FFA’s Hall of Fame.

"On behalf of the entire football community, I offer sincere condolences to his partner Jo, daughter Daisy, son Toby, as well as his granddaughters.”

FFA Chief Executive Officer David Gallop added: “I spoke to Mike on a regular basis and always admired his love of the history of the game and desire to see it go from strength to strength.

"He particularly supported our decision to get the FFA Cup off the ground. It wasn’t a job with him, it was a mission. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues.”