Essendon is saddened to hear of the passing of club great Hugh Mitchell on Sunday at the age of 89.

Until the time of his passing, Mitchell was the Bombers’ oldest living Premiership player, having played an integral role in the club’s 1962 and 1965 Grand Final triumphs through a terrific 224-game career.

First joining Essendon’s thirds outfit in 1953, Mitchell was quickly elevated to the seconds and then the senior team within the space of just four months, making his debut against Melbourne in round 16 of that season.

A versatile ruck rover and eventual full forward target, Mitchell featured as a mainstay in the Bombers’ midfield throughout the early stages of his career and played 77 consecutive games between 1954-’58.

In 1959, Mitchell was rewarded with club Best and Fairest honours – in the same year, he finished equal third in the Brownlow Medal and was selected for the first of four representative appearances for Victoria in his playing career.

Mitchell’s importance to the side was often reflected by the nature of his accolades, with multiple Best Utility, Best Clubman, Most Unselfish and Most Consistent awards coming his way.

Finishing up with the club in 1967 after 224 games and 301 goals, Mitchell returned to his hometown of Dandenong where he won two Premierships as both player and coach, before eventually returning to Essendon to help coach EDFL prospects through 1974-’75.

Shortlisted at No.47 on the club’s ‘Champions of Essendon’ ranking in 2002 and inducted to the Essendon Hall of Fame in 2012, Mitchell eventually moved into a broadcasting career with 3KZ and the ABC. He also had the honour of tossing the coin for the club’s 150-year celebration game against Carlton in round 13, 2022.

Mitchell is survived by his daughter, Jacki.

“Hugh Mitchell was a great of our club and we’re deeply saddened to hear of his passing,” Essendon President David Barham said.

“He was a vital piece of a very successful period in our club’s history and will always be remembered as not only a multiple Premiership player, but a great Essendon person.

“On behalf of the entire club, our thoughts are with his daughter Jacki, his extended family and friends, as well as all the people involved with the Bombers that he’s positively influenced along the way.”