The Brisbane Lions are mourning the loss of life member, Murray Johnson, who passed away yesterday (Wednesday 15 August) after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

One of the club’s true gentlemen, Johnson joined the Bears back in the club’s infancy at Carrara in 1987. He was part of the dedicated volunteer training staff for the first decade, before being elevated to the role of head trainer when Leigh Matthews arrived at the club in 1998.

Johnson contributed enormously to the Club without profit, whether it was spending countless hours packing all the materials for team travel, helping players with medical needs, and in his later years, volunteering on match days.

Senior Coach Michael Voss said: “Murray was a much-loved character at the Club and was always, without question, willing to help and assist wherever he could.”

“Muzz was always the one on the strapping table to give you the final pep talk before the game - the one to put a positive in place in his own style.”

“Our players, staff, and all those who were fortunate enough to know him throughout his time with the Club, will miss him terribly.”

It was Johnson who suffered a heart attack at the end of the first game of the 1999 season at the Gabba, and was resuscitated by medical staff of both the Lions and St Kilda (their opponent on the night).

His good humour was evident by his comment afterwards: “It’s not too often that you get kept on after going to sleep on the job, and I’d like to thank Gubby Allan and Leigh Matthews for their support.”

Johnson will be greatly missed as an outstanding clubman and tireless servant of the Club.

He is survived by his wife Catherine and children Debra, Christine, Michelle and Stephen.

The Lions will wear black armbands in this Saturday night’s match against Adelaide in Johnson’s memory.