Former Melbourne Premiership Player and Politician Brian Dixon Passes Away at 89

Brian Dixon, a celebrated former Melbourne footballer and Victorian politician, has died at the age of 89. His family confirmed to the ABC that he passed away in hospital on Wednesday.

Dixon’s daughter, Judy Dixon, described her father as a “change maker” with a “passion for making things he cared about happen.” She also recalled him as an “incredibly positive person.”

A legendary figure in Australian football, Dixon played 252 games for the Melbourne Demons, including five premierships. He was awarded Melbourne’s best and fairest in their 1960 premiership-winning season and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Not one to sit still, Dixon was still playing for Melbourne when he entered politics in 1964 as the Liberal Party member for St Kilda. Over an 18-year political career, he achieved numerous milestones and held several ministerial positions.

Jokingly, his daughter noted that he was “dubbed the minister for having his photo in the paper” at one point, reflecting his prominence in public life.

Judy Dixon said her father was “very concerned” about public health and was especially proud of launching the “Life. Be in it.” campaign in 1975, while serving as the state’s Youth, Sports and Recreation Minister. The campaign encouraged Australians to get active and lead healthier lives.