AFL, Geelong pay tribute to late Cats Team of the Century member.

Geelong and the AFL have paid tribute to former Cats captain Michael Turner, who has passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Turner, 70, lost his two-year battle on Monday and was surrounded by his family in his final moments.

The former Cats wingman played 245 games in the hoops from 1974-1988, captaining the club for three seasons in that period.

Turner led Geelong’s goal kicking in 1982 – recording his first of three Global campaigns – and had won All-Australian honours three years prior.

He was named on the wing in Geelong’s Team of the Century, partnering his father, Leo, on the flanks of the Cats’ historic side.

“The AFL offers its sincere condolences to Michael’s family, particularly his wife Karen and sons Levi and Che and their families, as well as Mick’s many friends across football, the Geelong Football club, and fans of the game,” AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said in a statement.

“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.

“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.”

Turner had also led Werribee as captain-coach in the VFA prior to a 25-year stint with the Geelong Falcons as Talent Manager.