The Brisbane Lions are mourning the loss of past player and Life Member Rod Vernon, who recently passed away at the age of 82.

Vernon played 119 senior matches and kicked 72 goals in a career that spanned a decade with Fitzroy from 1954-63.

In addition to providing a wonderful contribution to the Club on the field during this time, Vernon was also largely remembered for owning the local milk bar that once operated across the road from the Club’s spiritual home of the Brunswick Street Oval – which he would run during the week (fortunately he didn’t have far to travel for training).

Word has it that on match days, when he was lining up for goal at the Western End, the home crowd would encourage him "to kick it through his Milk Bar Window" which sat roughly behind the goals.

As a mark of their respect for Vernon’s contribution to the Club, the Brisbane Lions will wear black armbands this Sunday against the GWS Giants at the Gabba.

In the meantime, the Club extends its deepest sympathy to the entire Vernon family.