The Geelong Football Club is in mourning following the passing of 1951 premiership player Les Reed.

Les played 25 games for the Cats between 1951 and 1953 after being recruited from Euroa.

Les was also a talented cricketer and was selected in the Victorian Country team that played the touring MCC side at Euroa in 1951.

Matching his jumper number, Reed played 17 of Geelong’s record run of undefeated games.

He was 19th man in Geelong’s 1951 premiership triumph over Essendon, coming on in the last quarter to replace the injured Bernie Smith.

In 1952 he was not selected in the Cats’ grand final team but got his chance in the 1953 premiership-decider. His preliminary final performance against Footscray sealed his spot in the side. Selectors valued him as a tough, workman-like player who could hold his own in the heavy stuff.

Premiership winning teammate Terry Fulton agreed.

“He was a good kick and a good mark. In fact, he was a good all-rounder and a good teammate too, a good friendly teammate,” Fulton said.

Credit: Bob Gartland Collection.

Geelong players will wear black armbands in Saturday’s game with Collingwood.

The club offers its heartfelt condolences to Les’ family and friends.