The Melbourne Football Club has many great names; many who are remembered for feats of endurance and commitment.

One of those who formed part of the fabric of the 1950s and early 1960s was Ian Thorogood. A Melbourne High School recruit, his solidity and determination saw him labelled from his early days as ‘a halfback flanker of considerable ability.’

On the bench as part of the 1957 premiership team following a flag with the Reserves in 1956, Thorogood was one of the best in Melbourne’s shock 1958 defeat to Collingwood. He went on to play in the 1959 and 1960 premierships, before ultimately moving on to coach at Waverley (VFA) in 1964. Other coaching roles followed, including as assistant to Norm Smith at South Melbourne, as well as time at Prahran, and an assistant role at Carlton that turned into the senior job for two seasons when John Nicholls stepped down.

Melbourne was never far from Thorogood’s heart, however, and in 1978 he was on the coaching panel, before coaching the Under 19s in 1979 and 1980. His ongoing commitment saw him become a Life Member of the Melbourne Football Club in 1983.

Always a Demon, Ian Thorogood was a favourite across all generations. The entire football community was saddened to hear of his passing, and we offer our most sincere condolences to his wife Kay, his family and friends.