Michael Turner dead at 70: Tributes are paid to Geelong legend as he passes away following long illness

Former Geelong captain Michael Turner has sadly 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, passed away peacefully on Monday at the Lorne Hospital.

After growing up in Warrnambool, Turner would go on to follow in the footsteps of his father Leo by pursuing a career in football. The pair both played for Geelong in the VFL and were named on opposite wings in the club’s ‘Team of the Century’ back in 2001. 

Michael kicked an astounding 285 goals for the Cats during his time at the club and was crowned the side’s leading goalkicker in 1982 with 40 strikes that season.

He also captained the Cats for three seasons and was named in the 1979 All-Australian squad before he left in 1988, taking up a captain-coach position at the Werribee football club in Victoria.

He’d later go on to work as a manager for the Geelong Falcons, who spoke of their heartbreak at the news of his passing on social media.

Geelong Falcons published a statement on their Facebook account on Monday evening paying tribute to Turner

‘The Geelong Falcons program is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the legendary Mick Turner,’ the club said in a statement published on social media.

‘Mick passed away today at the Lorne Hospital after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

‘Put simply, the Geelong Falcons aren’t the program it is today without Mick. In his 25 years as Talent Manager, he guided so many careers on and off the field and has had a monumental impact on football in the South West of Victoria over many decades. MT9’s legacy will live long in the walls of Highton Reserve and in all the faces who have come through the club.’

During his 25 years at the Falcons, Turner oversaw the recruitment of 134 players, helping transform the football side become one of the highest-regarded junior programmes in Australia.

He is credited with having helped develop some modern greats of the game including Gary Ablett Jr and Patrick Dangerfield.

‘Further commemorations from a program perspective with support from the family will be detailed shortly,’ the Falcons added.

‘Mick is survived by his wife Karen, his sons Levi and Che, their partners Brooke and Grace and his precious grandchildren – Frankie, Ziggy, Raff and Arlo.’

Former Carlton, St Kilda and Hawthorn star Ricky Nixon paid his tributes to Turner.

‘Not the way I wanted to end 2024 with news of the passing of great mate and Geelong legend Michael Turner today from cancer,’ Nixon wrote on Facebook.

Ex-AFL star Ricky Nixon also paid tribute to Turner, lauding him as a great manager to younger stars 

Barwon Heads Football and Netball Club sent their sympathies to his wife karen and children

‘Michael was a legend who went out of his way to help me set up my player management career early days by referring stars from Geelong Falcons (where he was manager) to me.

‘The likes of Scott Lucas Jimmy Bartel Matthew Scarlett etc. – such stars were under his guidance including Luke Hodge, Jonathan Brown, Gary Ablett Jr, the list goes on and on.

‘RIP Micky knowing what an icon of the game you were and your kindness and friendship never forgotten and a Catter through and through.

‘Sending you a huge #TootToot to the sky 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 are deeply saddened to hear 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 at the Geelong Falcons, Mick was a cornerstone of our community. He served in various roles including vice president, committeeman, chairman of selectors, recruiter, and many others. His dedication was evident when he even donned the boots for a senior game in 1994. Mick was pivotal in the 1993 premiership victory, and his passion ignited a legacy that continues to burn brightly each year.

‘Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Karen, sons Levi and Che (all former BHFNC players), and his adoring grandchildren. A true legend on and off the field.

‘Rest in Peace’