The Geelong Cats are mourning the passing of premiership player Russell Middlemiss.

Middlemiss, who turned 90 last month, was an integral part of the Cats back-to-back premierships in 1951 and 1952.

The half-back flanker played 74 games for the Cats between 1949 and 1955 and was known for his shut-down performances including on Collingwood great Lou Richards in the 1952 decider.

Raised at an orphanage in Ballarat, Middlemiss worked as a shearer before landing at the Cats in 1949 and becoming a life member by the end of his career. 

Following his career, Middlemiss worked tirelessly for the club’s past player association.