Footy great and grand finalist's death hits his teammate Phil Gould for six: 'I'm absolutely shattered at reading this news'

Phil Gould has led tributes for 'great bloke' Steve Blyth after the footy great passed away at the age of 69.

The former Newtown Jets and Wests Magpies star had been suffering dementia and passed away in Gosford Hospital on Wednesday, both clubs confirmed in separate statements.

'We send our deepest consolences to his family and friends,' the Jets said of Blyth, who played in the 1981 grand final, on Twitter.

Gould, who played alongside Blyth at the Jets in that defeat by Parramatta, shared his heartbreak after hearing the news.

'I am so sad,' he tweeted.

'I'm absolutely shattered at reading this news. 

'I can't believe it. What a great bloke and such a tough, tough footballer. 

'RIP.'

Wests said in a statement: 'Steve was a tough-tackling second rower and crowd favourite during his Magpies days at Lidcombe Oval.

'Wests Tigers passes on its sincere condolences to Steve’s family and friends.'