Sadly, former Geelong captain Michael Turner has passed away aged 70, following a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Turner, who played 245 games for the Cats in the VFL between 1974 and 1988, died peacefully at Lorne Hospital on Monday.
After growing up in Warrnambool, Turner would follow in his father Leo’s footsteps and pursue a career in football. Both played for Geelong in the VFL and were named on opposite wings in the club’s ‘Team of the Century’ in 2001.
Michael scored a staggering 285 goals for the Cats during his time at the club and was crowned the team’s top scorer in 1982 with 40 goals that season.
He also captained the Cats for three seasons and was named in the 1979 All-Australian team before leaving in 1988, taking up the captain-coach position at Werribee football club in Victoria.
He later went on to work as manager of the Geelong Falcons, who spoke of their anguish at the news of his death on social media.
Geelong legend Michael Turner has sadly passed away after a long battle with illness.
The Geelong Falcons posted a statement on their Facebook account on Monday night paying tribute to Turner.
“The Geelong Falcons program is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the legendary Mick Turner,” the club said in a statement posted on social media.
‘Mick passed away today in Lorne Hospital after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
‘Simply put, the Geelong Falcons are not the program they are today without Mick. In his 25 years as a Talent Manager he guided many careers on and off the field and has had a monumental impact on football in south-west Victoria for many decades. MT9’s legacy will live on for a long time on the walls of Highton Reserve and in all the faces that have passed through the club.
During his 25 years at the Falcons, Turner oversaw the recruitment of 134 players, helping to transform the football team into one of Australia’s most respected youth programs.
He is credited with helping develop some greats of the modern game, including Gary Ablett Jr and Patrick Dangerfield.
“More memorials will be detailed shortly from a program perspective with the support of the family,” the Falcons added.
“Mick is survived by his wife Karen, his children Levi and Che, his partners Brooke and Grace and his beautiful grandchildren: Frankie, Ziggy, Raff and Arlo.”
Former Carlton, St Kilda and Hawthorn star Ricky Nixon paid tribute to Turner.
“Not the way he wanted to end 2024 with the news of the passing today from cancer of his great friend and Geelong legend Michael Turner,” Nixon wrote on Facebook.
Former AFL star Ricky Nixon also paid tribute to Turner, praising him as a great coach for younger stars.
Barwon Heads Football and Netball Club sent its condolences to his wife Karen and his children.
“Michael was a legend who went above and beyond to help me establish my career as a player coach in the early days, recommending stars to me from the Geelong Falcons (where he was a coach).
‘People like Scott Lucas, Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Scarlett, etc. – stars such as Luke Hodge, Jonathan Brown and Gary Ablett Jr were under his direction, and the list goes on and on.
‘RIP Micky knowing you were an icon of the game and your kindness and friendship never forgotten and a Catter through and through.
‘I send you a huge #TootToot to heaven, I will love you forever.’
Barwon Heads Football Club also took to social media to pay their respects to the former winger.
“Barwon Heads Football Netball Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Turner today, 30 December 2024,” the statement read.
‘Beyond his notable success at the highest level with Geelong Football Club and his significant influence on the Geelong Falcons, Mick was a cornerstone of our community. He held various positions including vice-president, committee member, chairman of selectors, recruiter and many others. His dedication was evident even when he pulled on the boots for a senior match in 1994. Mick was instrumental in the premiership win in 1993, and his passion ignited a legacy that continues to burn brightly every year.
‘Our deepest condolences are with his wife Karen, his sons Levi and Che (all former BHFNC players) and his beloved grandchildren. A true legend on and off the field.
‘Rest in peace’