The Sydney Swans is saddened by the passing of former player Brian Tomlinson, who passed away peacefully on June 30 at the age of 81.

Tomlinson made his debut for South Melbourne in Round 5, 1961 against Footscray at the Lake Oval.

Just 20 years old on debut, Tomlinson was the 840^th player to run out in the red and white, going on to play 15 games in guernsey No. 28 from 1961-62.

Brian was also a proud life member of the Warrandyte Football Club, where he played over 250 games and was a dual premiership player in 1958 and 1966.

He was selected in the Warrandyte Football Club team of the decade in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s and was crowned Best and Fairest in the 1959, 1960 and 1970 seasons.

After retiring as a player, Tomlinson continued to dedicate his life to the club, coaching in the 1965-69, ’76 and ’77 seasons, and then took the mantle as Treasurer from 1978-80.

The Warrandyte and Ferntree Gully football clubs together with Eastern Football Netball League umpires last weekend formed a guard of honour followed by a minute’s silence preceding the senior’s game to honour Brian.

The Sydney Swans extends its deepest condolences to Brian’s wife Lynda, their children, and grandchildren.