FOUR-TIME Melbourne premiership player Geoff Case has passed away, aged 82.

A member of the 1955, 1957, 1959 and 1960 premiership teams, Case was highly regarded among the red and blue faithful.

Case made his debut in round 5, 1953 against Essendon at Windy Hill – he was one of 17 rookies that year – before going on to play in Melbourne’s 1954 Grand Final team.

He won the 1954 Most Improved Player award, as well as the 1962 Reserves Best and Fairest.

Recruited from Melbourne Grammar, Case wore the number 7 guernsey and played as a half-back flank. He finished with 123 games for Melbourne, spanning from 1953-62.

Following his retirement at the age of 26, Case was inducted into the Melbourne Football Club Hall of Fame, was a Life Member of the club, and was a Victorian State representative.

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

Players will wear black armbands in recognition of Case’s contribution to the club in tonight’s match against Port Adelaide.

Case takes a mark against Footscray