Remembering Brian Dixon: A Melbourne Great On and Off the Field
Today, we pause to remember and honour one of Australian football’s finest – Brian Dixon, who has sadly passed away at the age of 89. For fans of the Melbourne Football Club and lovers of the game, Dixon's name is etched into history not just as a premiership player but as a man of enduring influence, integrity, and passion.
Brian Dixon was the beating heart of the Melbourne Demons during their golden era under coach Norm Smith in the 1950s and 60s. With a career spanning 252 games from 1954 to 1968, Dixon’s time on the wing showcased his relentless energy, long-kicking precision, and unmatched work ethic. He wasn’t just a key contributor—he was a game-changer. A five-time premiership winner (1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, and 1964), a Best and Fairest in 1960, and the first Melbourne player to notch up 250 games, Dixon set a standard that would define an era.
He was rightly included in Melbourne’s Team of the Century and inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame, where his legacy is permanently secured among the greats. His 1961 All-Australian selection and Tassie Medal further highlight a player who was elite at both club and state level. Simply put, Dixon was the complete footballer.
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But his story doesn't end there. In a remarkable extension of his leadership, Brian Dixon transitioned into public service, representing the seat of St Kilda in the Victorian Parliament from 1964 to 1982. Serving as Minister for Sport and Recreation, he was the visionary behind the iconic “Life. Be in it” campaign—a movement that got Australians moving and changed the way health and wellness was promoted nationwide.
He even had a brief stint as coach of North Melbourne in the early '70s, always finding ways to give back to the game he loved.
Brian Dixon wasn’t just a Melbourne champion—he was a statesman, a trailblazer, and a cherished member of Australia’s sporting and civic life. His connection to the club never faded, and his passion for its history, players, and future helped shape the spirit of the Demons for generations.
To Brian’s wife Carmel, his family, friends, and former teammates, the entire footy world stands with you. Thank you, Brian, for the memories, the premierships, and the inspiration. Your legacy will live on every time a young wingman runs with heart, courage, and purpose.
Rest easy, legend.
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