- Clyde Laidlaw has died at the age of 89
- He won four premierships with Melbourne
- The Demons paid tribute to the club legend
The football world is in mourning following the passing of much-vaunted legend Clyde Laidlaw.
Laidlaw, 89, played a key role in Melbourne’s golden era in the late 1950s and 1960s, winning the Premier League four times between 1955 and 1960.
That Demons team was one of the strongest in football history, led by captain Ron Barassi and coached by Norm Smith.
Melbourne won the championship no fewer than six times during this period: in 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960 and 1964.
Laidlaw struggled with injuries early in his career but developed into a strong and reliable striker for the Demons.
A thigh injury ruled him out of the 1957 final. He played 124 games and kicked 59 goals for the club. The Demons described him as a tower of strength, highlighted by his marking and kicking prowess.
“Melbourne Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of four-time Premiership player Clyde Laidlaw,” the club said in a statement.
‘Although there were many stars in these teams, Laidlaw was one of the regular stars and in 1959 he was recognised for his efforts with an Outstanding Service Award,’ the club said.
After the 1960 championship, Laidlaw was injured again and played only two more games in 1962 before retiring at the age of 29.
Melbourne mourns the passing of club legend Clyde Laidlaw
“(He left) a legacy that will always be a cherished part of the club’s history,” the Demons said.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Clyde’s family, friends and former teammates.”
The Demons play West Coast on Sunday, with players wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for the club legend.
No details have yet been released about the funeral, but 7Sport reports that Melbourne will bring the four Premier League trophies that Laidlaw helped the club win to the ceremony.