The Collingwood Football Club wishes to acknowledge the passing of two former players – John Murton and Brian Renwood.
John joined the club from Warragul in 1960, and was part of our under-19s Premiership team that year. He made his senior debut in 1963, a tall centre half-forward with fine hands and a booming drop kick. He kicked two goals on debut and was named in our best players against Hawthorn. But after one more game, and one further goal, he was struck down by an injured ankle that troubled him for the rest of the year.
It was the story of John’s Collingwood career – opportunity and obvious promise, thwarted by a succession of ill-timed injuries. He ended his time at Collingwood as he had started, with a lower level Premiership, this one the 1965 reserves flag. After that he returned to the country and enjoyed a fine career.
Brian Renwood joined the club from Abbotsford in 1953 as part of our under-19 team, and the following year he finished second in the Morrish Medal for best player in the VFL under-19 competition. A tough half-back, he spent 1956 back with Abbotsford but returned to Victoria Park for the 1957 season, playing his three senior games – all from the bench – early in the year.
But Brian’s contribution to Collingwood was only just beginning. He would go on to be an important part of the Past Players Association, serving on the committee for many years and later being awarded Life Membership. He was a familiar face at Past Player functions for many years.
The Board, management, staff, coaches and players of the Collingwood Football Club acknowledge John and Brian’s contribution to our footy club. Our thoughts are with their families, and all their friends from Collingwood and beyond.
Side by Side.
To read John’s full story and the stats from his career, check his bio on Forever:
https://forever.collingwoodfc.com.au/players/john-murton/
To read Brian’s full story and the stats from his career, check his bio on Forever:
