The AFL community is mourning the death of former Geelong captain Michael ‘Mick’ Turner, who sadly lost his two-year battle with cancer on Monday.

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The 70-year-old legend of Kardinia Park is being remembered as “a skilful player, a passionate Geelong person and a mentor to many” after spending decades of his life involved in football.

Turner had followed in the footsteps of his dual premiership father Leo to don the hoops before making his debut in 1974.

He would go on to play 245 games (with 285 goals) over a decorated career that included All Australian honours in 1979 and Geelong’s leading goal kicker in 1982.

Turner would later be named in Geelong’s team of the century – remarkably on the opposite wing to his father.

And it was post-career that Turner then continued to have an impact on the club, as he helped the likes of Gary Ablett Jnr and Jimmy Bartel find their way onto the Cats’ list.

The Geelong Football Club paid tribute to Turner after his courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

“Whilst his on-field performance was profound, Mick had a greater influence off it and will be remembered for impacting the lives of many in the greater Geelong community,” the club said.

“Mick spent 25 years at the Geelong Falcons as their Talent Manager helping 134 men and women fulfil their dream of making it onto an AFL or AFLW list, including Gary Ablett Jnr, Cameron Ling, Patrick Dangerfield, Nina Morrison and Jimmy Bartel to name a few.

“Of that group, eight captained their club and 21 have gone on to become premiership players.

“Mick will be remembered as a skilful player, a passionate Geelong person and a mentor to many.

“The club sends its heartfelt condolences to Mick’s wife Karen and children Levi and Che, their partners Brooke and Grace, his grandchildren Frankie, Ziggy, Raff and Arlo, and extended family and friends.”

The AFL confirmed that Turner was recently awarded AFL life membership for his contribution to the Geelong Football Club and broader community in the days leading up to Christmas.

This followed a special resolution from the AFL Commission this month, with the AFL confirming Turner was “made aware of the honour” before he passed.

“Mick Turner was a brilliant wingman in an era of fantastic players who starred across the middle of the ground and Cats fans remember him for his pace and ability to kick a big team-lifting goal,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said.

“Post his playing career, he gave so much more to the game as a mentor and confidant to generations of talented young players and many of our greats who have come out of the Falcons’ program all cite him as a pivotal influence on their success.”