FIVE-TIME Melbourne premiership player Laurie Mithen has passed away, aged 87.

A member of the 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959 and 1960 premiership teams, Mithen played 153 games and kicked 108 goals for the Demons and was a prominent contributor to the club’s golden era.

Recruited from Ormond, he made his debut in the opening round of the 1954 season against Collingwood at the MCG, going on to play 13 matches in his first season, including a Grand Final.

His elite kicking and marking ability saw him thrive in the years that followed, recognised with the inaugural Ron Barassi Senior Memorial Trophy for outstanding service in 1955 and awarded the club’s Best and Fairest in 1958 and 1959.

Mithen, who wore the No.11 guernsey across his nine seasons, also served as vice-captain and topped Melbourne’s goalkicking in 1962 (37 goals).

He went onto become a player/coach for Port Melbourne up until 1965, then heading west to play for Claremont for two further seasons.

Following his retirement, Mithen continued his work as a schoolteacher in Western Australia, Canada and Queensland.

The talented Demon was named as an emergency in the club’s Team of the Century (2000), inducted into the Hall of Fame (2003) and recognised as a ‘150 Hero’ (2008).

In 2013, Mithen was made a Life Member for his incredible contribution in the red and blue.

The Melbourne Football Club extends its deepest sympathies to the Mithen family, former teammates and colleagues at this very sad time.

Melbourne's AFLW side will wear black arm bands during their game on Saturday against Gold Coast in honour of Mithen.