Hawthorn Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of 1961 premiership player Brendan Edwards.

Brendan passed away peacefully on Monday, aged 85.

A brilliantly talented midfielder boasting elite fitness, Brendan chalked up 109 games in the brown and gold guernsey between 1956 and 1963.

He was recognised as the club’s best and fairest player in 1960 - a dominant year that also saw him represent Victoria in interstate football.

Brendan’s career culminated in the inaugural 1961 premiership, where he put together an impressive best on ground performance, amassing over 33 disposals.

A passionate advocate for all things health and fitness, Brendan pioneered the Hawks’ circuit training model that helped drive the club towards its 1961 premiership – a framework that continued to be utilised throughout the John Kennedy Snr coaching era.

A wingman for Hawthorn's Team of the Century, an inductee in Hawthorn's Hall of Fame, and a life member of the club.

Brendan was one of Kennedy’s most diligent and hardworking ‘commandos’, and his role in Hawthorn history won’t soon be forgotten.

Hawthorn Football Club extends its sincere condolences to Brendan’s family and friends.

Vale Brendan Edwards.