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 at the age of 70 after 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 by pursuing a career in football. The pair both played for Geelong in the VFL and were named in the club’s ‘Team of the Century’ in 2001 on opposite wings.

Michael scored an impressive 285 goals for the Cats during his time at the club and was crowned the side’s leading goalkeeper in 1982 with 40 goals that season.

He also captained the Cats for three seasons and was named in the 1979 All-Australian squad before leaving in 1988 to take up a captain-coach position at Werribee Football Club in Victoria.

He would later go on to work as a manager for the Geelong Falcons, who spoke on social media about their heartbreak following the news of his death.

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

“The Geelong Falcons program is deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary Mick Turner,” the club said in a statement on social media.

‘Mick passed away today at 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 has guided many careers on and off the field and has had a huge impact on football in South West Victoria for decades. The legacy of MT9 will live long in the walls of Highton Reserve and in all the faces that have come through the club.”

During his 25 years with the Falcons, Turner oversaw the recruitment of 134 players, helping the football side become one of the highest-rated junior programs in Australia.

He is credited with helping develop some of the game’s modern greats, including Gary Ablett Jr and Patrick Dangerfield.

“Further commemorations from a program perspective with family support 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 tribute to Turner.

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

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

Barwon Heads Football and Netball Club sent their condolences to his wife Karen and children

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

“People like Scott Lucas, Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Scarlett etc – such stars were under his leadership including Luke Hodge, Jonathan Brown, Gary Ablett Jr, the list goes on.

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

“Sending you a huge #TootToot to heaven, I 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 by the passing of Michael Turner today, December 30, 2024,” the statement said.

“In addition to his remarkable success at the highest level at Geelong Football Club and his significant influence at the Geelong Falcons, Mick was a cornerstone of our community. He has held various positions including vice president, board member, chairman of selectors, recruiter and many others. His dedication was evident when he even put on the boots for a senior match in 1994. Mick played a crucial role in the premiership win in 1993, and his passion created a legacy that continues to burn brightly every year.

“Our deepest condolences 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’