The football community mourns as it bids farewell to one of its most cherished legends, Clyde Laidlaw.

A titan of the game, Laidlaw's passing at the age of 89 left a palpable void in the hearts of fans and players alike.

Australian Football League (AFL) fans honoured his memory and the indelible mark he left on the sport.

The Melbourne Football Club released an official statement encapsulating Clyde Laidlaw's impact on the Demons.

'Melbourne Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of four-time premiership Demon, Clyde Laidlaw. We offer our most sincere condolences to Clyde's family, friends, and former teammates.'

Laidlaw was a formidable force on the field, as he steered the Demons to an impressive four premiership wins—1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960—throughout his career.

The Melbourne Football Club paid tribute to the legendary sport icon in a press release. Image Credit: Melbourne FC

His journey with the club was a tapestry of triumph and tenacity woven through the late 1950s and early 1960s.

With his skills, the Demons dominated the Australian Football League under Norm Smith's impeccable coaching and Ron Barassi's on-field leadership.

His prowess in marking and kicking made him a tower of strength on the team, and his consistent performance earned him an Outstanding Service Award in 1959.

Despite a rocky start plagued by injuries, Laidlaw's resilience and determination made him a key forward whose strength and skill were pivotal to the team's success.

His debut in 1954 marked the beginning of a career that spanned 124 games and saw him kick 59 goals for the Demons.

Laidlaw's contributions to the club were measured not just by his goals or games; he was a beacon of reliability, a 'constant light' in a team of stars.

His strength and safe marking were praised, and his presence on the field was both reassuring and inspiring to his teammates.

After his fourth premiership win in 1960, an injury reared its head, limiting Laidlaw to two more games before forcibly retiring in 1962.

Despite stepping away from the limelight, his legacy continued to shine brightly.

The Melbourne Football Club acknowledged his contributions, and Laidlaw will forever be a treasured chapter in its history.

Demons players will don black armbands in their upcoming Sunday game to pay tribute to Clyde Laidlaw and his impact towards the sport and the Australian football community.

Watch Clyde Laidlaw's Hall of Fame feature:

Source: Melbourne Football Club/YouTube​

As we reflect on Clyde Laidlaw's legacy, we remember the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of sport to unite us in celebration and grief.

His story is one of courage, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—qualities that resonate deeply with the Australian spirit.

Key Takeaways

• Melbourne Football Club mourned for the loss of Clyde Laidlaw, a club legend who won four premierships.
• Clyde Laidlaw passed away at the age of 89 and was part of Melbourne Football Club's golden era in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
• Laidlaw was revered for his strength and gameplay as the team's key forward.
• The Demons players will wear black armbands as a tribute to Laidlaw in their upcoming match this Sunday.

Clyde Laidlaw may have left the field, but his spirit will forever remain an integral part of the Melbourne Football Club's rich tapestry.

May he rest in peace.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Wouldn't know him if I fell over him.

 

[Rickles]

You can subsidise energy and other expenes,reduce working
hours, extend government benefits to others,BUT our standard of living can only improve if we increase GDP per head of population.
In other words if you want people to receive more you must produce more. Without this real wages will not increase.
The problem with the Australian economy is that our GDP per head of population has not increased in recent times. You cant give the people bigger slices of the pie every year unless we grow the size of the pie.
Richard Lewis