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Vale Laurie Mithen

Whispering_Jack
in Melbourne Demons

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I just received this sad news about Laurie Mithen (one of my original Demon heroes from the 50s - # 11) from the Past Players and Officials
 
Condolences to the family.
 
It is with much sadness that we announce the death of past player
Laurie Mithen, at the age of 87.
Laurie came to the Melbourne Football Club from Ormond, making his 
senior debut in the first round of 1954. Wearing No. 11, as he would for 
each of his 153 games (with the notable exception of the 1958 Grand Final), 
this game against Collingwood saw the youngster receive rough treatment, 
which bred resilience and toughness in him throughout his stellar career. 
Entertaining and clever, Mithen could play on either side of his body, and
was valued for his kicking and marking ability. In his second season – 1955 
– he not only played in the first of five premierships, but was also the inaugural
recipient of the Ron Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy for outstanding service.
In 1956, Mithen was a member of the all-powerful Melbourne outfit that 
would later be inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. The ‘Olympic 
Premiers’ thrashed Collingwood, and Mithen’s contribution was hailed 
by the club, with the annual report for the season stating that:
‘In Laurie Mithen Melbourne possess a player of outstanding skill and cleverness. 
In the semi final this year Laurie played the type of amazing game that 
he alone in our side can play.’

Injuries curtailed the typically consistent Mithen in 1957, but he returned 
to cement a dominant spot in the centre, along with a third premiership, 
this time against Essendon. It was Mithen who set the tone for the Grand Final 
when he took the ball out of the centre. Then it was on to Barassi, who kicked the 
first goal for the game within seconds of its start.
Barassi and Mithen formed a dominant combination within a powerful team, 
and unfortunately this was part of the downfall of 1958. Up against Collingwood
in the Grand Final, the two Demons were among those particularly targeted
for distraction and roughing up. The ultimate result was a three goal Grand 
Final loss, and dismay for all those in red and blue.
There was a silver lining for Mithen, however, as he was named Best and 
Fairest in 1958; an achievement that was followed up by another premiership, 
and a second Best and Fairest in 1959. Having also represented Victoria, Mithen 
was celebrated for his achievements, with the plaudits including that comments 
that: ‘Our “Best and Fairest” winner for 1959 for the second year in succession was 
Laurie Mithen. Laurie…has developed into one of the outstanding footballers in 
the Victorian League. His clever and brilliant football now possesses a directness 
and vigour that only comes from experience.’ 
That experience helped to take Mithen to a fifth Melbourne premiership in 1960. 
In 1962, he went on to serve as the club’s vice-captain, before hanging up
his boots to become playing coach of VFA side Port Melbourne, helping to
deliver the 1964 premiership for the ‘Borough’.
In 1966, schoolteacher Mithen headed west, teaching in Perth for four years, 
as well as playing for WA side Claremont for two seasons. He then spent time 
as a school principal in Canada, before later returning to the Gold Coast.
Throughout his lifetime, Melbourne continued to recognise Mithen for 
his contribution and status within the club. Named as an emergency in the club’s 
Team of the Century, announced in 2000, Mithen was inducted into the MFC 
Hall of Fame in 2003, and was named as a ‘150 Hero’ in 2008. In 2013, he was
made a Life Member, as humble and delighted as ever in accepting honours for achievements that are an eternal part of the club’s heritage.
We will always value and remember Laurie Mithen as a special part of 
the Melbourne Football Club, and offer our most heartfelt condolences 
to his family and friends.
 

F3702C52-6914-4FCF-B1DB-3547493CF346.jpeg

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    • Like 16
    • Thanks 7
    • Love 3
    • Sad 2
     

    If feels wrong to "like" such a post, but thanks for sharing the sad news WJ.

    There used to be a poster on Demonology called Maurie Lithen, but I haven't seen that username for years.

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    I'm old enough to have seen Laurie play and to be taught history by him at Melbourne High.

    A good bloke, popular teacher and sadly missed.

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    • Like 9
    • Love 1
     

    Another sad passing from our history, but at least he lived to see us break the drought.

    Laurie was always hard at the ball and gave no quarter.

    If I recall correctly it was the 1961 2nd Semi Final where he was dropped behind the play, in what may have been a game changing incident - it was said to be by a Hawk (alleged by some who claim to have seen it happen, one who went on to become a prominent QC or even a judge though my memory may be failing so please don't quote me.  Happy to be corrected).  No video review in those days so he went on the play in their inaugural premiership.

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    • Like 6
    1 hour ago, Whispering_Jack said:
    I just received this sad news about Laurie Mithen (one of my original Demon heroes from the 50s - # 11) from the Past Players and Officials
     
    Condolences to the family.
     
    It is with much sadness that we announce the death of past player
    Laurie Mithen, at the age of 87.
    Laurie came to the Melbourne Football Club from Ormond, making his 
    senior debut in the first round of 1954. Wearing No. 11, as he would for 
    each of his 153 games (with the notable exception of the 1958 Grand Final), 
    this game against Collingwood saw the youngster receive rough treatment, 
    which bred resilience and toughness in him throughout his stellar career. 
    Entertaining and clever, Mithen could play on either side of his body, and
    was valued for his kicking and marking ability. In his second season – 1955 
    – he not only played in the first of five premierships, but was also the inaugural
    recipient of the Ron Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy for outstanding service.
    In 1956, Mithen was a member of the all-powerful Melbourne outfit that 
    would later be inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. The ‘Olympic 
    Premiers’ thrashed Collingwood, and Mithen’s contribution was hailed 
    by the club, with the annual report for the season stating that:
    ‘In Laurie Mithen Melbourne possess a player of outstanding skill and cleverness. 
    In the semi final this year Laurie played the type of amazing game that 
    he alone in our side can play.’

    Injuries curtailed the typically consistent Mithen in 1957, but he returned 
    to cement a dominant spot in the centre, along with a third premiership, 
    this time against Essendon. It was Mithen who set the tone for the Grand Final 
    when he took the ball out of the centre. Then it was on to Barassi, who kicked the 
    first goal for the game within seconds of its start.
    Barassi and Mithen formed a dominant combination within a powerful team, 
    and unfortunately this was part of the downfall of 1958. Up against Collingwood
    in the Grand Final, the two Demons were among those particularly targeted
    for distraction and roughing up. The ultimate result was a three goal Grand 
    Final loss, and dismay for all those in red and blue.
    There was a silver lining for Mithen, however, as he was named Best and 
    Fairest in 1958; an achievement that was followed up by another premiership, 
    and a second Best and Fairest in 1959. Having also represented Victoria, Mithen 
    was celebrated for his achievements, with the plaudits including that comments 
    that: ‘Our “Best and Fairest” winner for 1959 for the second year in succession was 
    Laurie Mithen. Laurie…has developed into one of the outstanding footballers in 
    the Victorian League. His clever and brilliant football now possesses a directness 
    and vigour that only comes from experience.’ 
    That experience helped to take Mithen to a fifth Melbourne premiership in 1960. 
    In 1962, he went on to serve as the club’s vice-captain, before hanging up
    his boots to become playing coach of VFA side Port Melbourne, helping to
    deliver the 1964 premiership for the ‘Borough’.
    In 1966, schoolteacher Mithen headed west, teaching in Perth for four years, 
    as well as playing for WA side Claremont for two seasons. He then spent time 
    as a school principal in Canada, before later returning to the Gold Coast.
    Throughout his lifetime, Melbourne continued to recognise Mithen for 
    his contribution and status within the club. Named as an emergency in the club’s 
    Team of the Century, announced in 2000, Mithen was inducted into the MFC 
    Hall of Fame in 2003, and was named as a ‘150 Hero’ in 2008. In 2013, he was
    made a Life Member, as humble and delighted as ever in accepting honours for achievements that are an eternal part of the club’s heritage.
    We will always value and remember Laurie Mithen as a special part of 
    the Melbourne Football Club, and offer our most heartfelt condolences 
    to his family and friends.
     

    Superstar of the team in the second half of the 1950s. Champion player. Surprised there doesn't appear to be anything on the club web site, as yet.

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    • Like 3

    5 minutes ago, Redlagged said:

    Superstar of the team in the second half of the 1950s. Champion player. Surprised there doesn't appear to be anything on the club web site, as yet.

    It's on there now.

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    • Like 1

    Taught at Melbourne High in the early 60s at a time when league footballers had to work for a living. It was a thrill to be a Melbourne supporter at the school at the time although he never taught me.

    In those days it was not uncommon to see champion league footballers at their day jobs eg. John James (Brownlow medallist 1961) taught at my central school; Bobby Skilton (Brownlow medallist) was a plumber fixing a roof opposite my school; Neil Roberts (Brownlow medallist) was a sport teacher at my primary school; Ron Barassi was an office furniture salesman for Sears Morton in the city; Bill Young (St Kilda goalsneek) ran a sports store in the Village Belle in St Kilda.

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    • Like 7

    One of my idols as a player during our golden era, and so sad to hear of his passing. Joining a legion of past players looking down on the ‘golden era’ just begun.  RIP Laurie. Condolences to his family.

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    • Like 4
     

    The Old Man mentioned Mithen in reverent tones as being an equal to Barassi at the MFC in terms of skill and class.

    He must have been quite a player.

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    • Like 7
    2 minutes ago, Biffen said:

    The Old Man mentioned Mithen in reverent tones as being an equal to Barassi at the MFC in terms of skill and class.

    He must have been quite a player.

    He was!

    Edited by Deeoldfart

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    • Like 2

    1 hour ago, Redlagged said:

    Superstar of the team in the second half of the 1950s. Champion player. Surprised there doesn't appear to be anything on the club web site, as yet.

    It is on there RL, I came straight here after I saw it.!!

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    3 hours ago, Whispering_Jack said:
    hanging up
    his boots to become playing coach of VFA side Port Melbourne, helping to
    deliver the 1964 premiership for the ‘Borough’.
    In 1966, schoolteacher Mithen headed west, teaching in Perth for four years, 
    as well as playing for WA side Claremont for two seasons.

    A funny take on "hanging up his boots."

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    • Thanks 1

    I didn’t have the privilege of seeing him play but I have read so much about that extraordinary golden era for MFC and Laurie Mithen, RDB big Bob Johnson, etc. under Norm Smith bought us so much glory it was really hard to fathom until 2021.

    RIP Laurie Mithen Champion and Legend of the MFC.❤️💙💕

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    • Like 3

    My mother’s favourite player.

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    • Like 1
    • Thanks 1
    4 hours ago, monoccular said:

    Another sad passing from our history, but at least he lived to see us break the drought.

    Laurie was always hard at the ball and gave no quarter.

    If I recall correctly it was the 1961 2nd Semi Final where he was dropped behind the play, in what may have been a game changing incident - it was said to be by a Hawk (alleged by some who claim to have seen it happen, one who went on to become a prominent QC or even a judge though my memory may be failing so please don't quote me.  Happy to be corrected).  No video review in those days so he went on the play in their inaugural premiership.

    Here you go mono, 14 paragraphs in:

    https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/747589/fifty-years-of-marvellous-hostility&ved=2ahUKEwjk45ORtuP1AhU273MBHfETD0cQFnoECAUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw2InivANvCtaVSqntIIhhF2

    Edited by Timothy Reddan-A'Blew

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    • Thanks 2

    3 hours ago, tiers said:

    Taught at Melbourne High in the early 60s at a time when league footballers had to work for a living. It was a thrill to be a Melbourne supporter at the school at the time although he never taught me.

    In those days it was not uncommon to see champion league footballers at their day jobs eg. John James (Brownlow medallist 1961) taught at my central school; Bobby Skilton (Brownlow medallist) was a plumber fixing a roof opposite my school; Neil Roberts (Brownlow medallist) was a sport teacher at my primary school; Ron Barassi was an office furniture salesman for Sears Morton in the city; Bill Young (St Kilda goalsneek) ran a sports store in the Village Belle in St Kilda.

    So, Sandy Primary, tiers?😀

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    Did anyone else get taught to swim by his wife Wendy Mithen? (I think my ageing memory is serving me well...)

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    • Like 2
    4 hours ago, tiers said:

    Taught at Melbourne High in the early 60s at a time when league footballers had to work for a living. It was a thrill to be a Melbourne supporter at the school at the time although he never taught me.

    In those days it was not uncommon to see champion league footballers at their day jobs eg. John James (Brownlow medallist 1961) taught at my central school; Bobby Skilton (Brownlow medallist) was a plumber fixing a roof opposite my school; Neil Roberts (Brownlow medallist) was a sport teacher at my primary school; Ron Barassi was an office furniture salesman for Sears Morton in the city; Bill Young (St Kilda goalsneek) ran a sports store in the Village Belle in St Kilda.

    Wayne Linton (Fitroy winger) `taught` me 3rd form Biology at Melbourne High in 1978. Seemed a nice bloke IIRC.

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    • Like 1

    Terrible News, i sent a letter to Laurie many years ago, he was my dads favourite player along with Bob Johnson. He sent me back a letter with these signed cards included, i have never forgotten it. A kind and generous man, it's a shame he hasn't been inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame, he should be .

    IMG_0355.thumb.JPG.dc4f201437635e47d50a40c3ea09bce4.JPG

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    • Like 10

    8 hours ago, Fanatique Demon said:

    Sorry to hear the news. Loved Laurie Mithen in his #11. Uncle to Lily?

    Distant relative. Laurie was Lily's grandfather's cousin.

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    • Like 1
    • Thanks 2
    9 hours ago, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

    So, Sandy Primary, tiers?😀

    No. Neil Roberts got around to other schools in his role as PE teacher.

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    • Like 2

    Rest in peace great man. 5 flags in 150 odd games, definition of decorated career and he was a vital part of that success. 

    Edited by layzie

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    • Like 3
     
    15 hours ago, Demonstone said:

    There used to be a poster on Demonology called Maurie Lithen, but I haven't seen that username for years.

    He morphed into someone else.  😉

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    • Like 4

    Did anyone else wonder why it was not until 2013 that he was made a Life Member? How on earth did it take 50 years from when he left the club for that to happen?

    There may be another reason, but my first thought was that for 50 years we just as dreadful off the field as we were on it. 

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