- Clyde Laidlaw dies aged 89
- He won four titles with Melbourne.
- The Demons paid tribute to the club legend
The football world is in mourning following the death of the legendary and decorated Clyde Laidlaw.
Laidlaw, 89, was an integral part of Melbourne’s golden era in the late 1950s and 1960s, winning four premierships between 1955 and 1960.
That Demons team was one of the most powerful in football history and was led by captain Ron Barassi and coached by Norm Smith.
Melbourne won no fewer than six premierships during this period: in 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960 and 1964.
Laidlaw struggled with injuries early in his career but emerged as a strong and reliable key forward for the Demons.
A thigh injury ruled him out of the 1957 Grand Final. He played 124 games and scored 59 goals for the club. The Demons described him as “a tower of strength, noted for his marking and kicking prowess”.
“The Melbourne Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of four-time Demon champion Clyde Laidlaw,” the club said in a statement.
“While there were numerous stars in these teams, Laidlaw was one of the constant lights and in 1959 he was recognised for his efforts with an Outstanding Service Award,” the club said.
After the 1960 title, Laidlaw was again injured and played only two more matches in 1962 before retiring at the age of 29.
Melbourne mourns the death of club legend Clyde Laidlaw
“He left behind a legacy that will always be a treasured part of the club’s history,” the Demons said.
‘We offer our sincere condolences to Clyde’s family, friends and former teammates.’
The Demons will play West Coast on Sunday, where players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect for the club legend.
Details of the funeral have yet to be revealed, but 7Sport reports Melbourne will bring the four Premier League cups Laidlaw helped the club win to the ceremony.
