The Brisbane Lions are mourning the loss of former Fitzroy player Graeme MacKenzie who passed away last Friday aged 81, after a long battle with dementia.

Recruited by Fitzroy from Edenhope in Victoria's Western District, Graeme played 105 senior matches during a successful period with the Roys between 1956-62 – including three finals.

Standing at 175cm tall and weighing 78kg, MacKenzie made his AFL debut for Fitzroy against Footscray at the Western Oval in Round 1 of 1956.

He kicked his first and only career goal the following week against Essendon.

MacKenzie played mostly as a back pocket, and wore the number 29. He gathered 19 Brownlow votes across his career and was an integral part of the 1959 night premiership side.

The Club extends its heartfelt sympathy to the entire MacKenzie family.