Cats great Middlemiss dies at 90

Geelong Football Club is mourning the death of another legend, with news of the passing of premiership defender Russell Middlemiss.

Middlemiss passed away earlier this week at the age of 90, after suffering a stroke last Thursday.

He made his debut for the Cats in 1949 against Carlton after being recruited from Rokewood.

Russell played 74 matches in the blue and white hoops and his role on the half back flank played an important part in the back-to-back premierships of 1951 and 1952.

He played his final game for the Cats in early 1955.

Middlemiss was a life member of the Geelong Football Club.

His son Glenn Middlemiss also played for Geelong.

Russell Middlemiss is survived by four children, eight grandchild and five great-grandchildren.

His death follows the loss of fellow former Cats John Scarlett, who died last week, and Kevin Higgins who passed away in early July.

Picture: Russ Middlemiss [Bob Gartland Collection]