MELBOURNE premiership player Max Spittle has passed away on Friday morning.

Sadly, he died one day before his 93rd birthday.

Spittle played 50 matches for Melbourne from 1947-50, including Melbourne’s two Grand Finals against Essendon in 1948: the drawn match and the premiership the following week.

He was regarded as one of Melbourne’s best in its victory.  

A smart wingman from Smeaton, near Creswick and Ballarat, Spittle was a skillful and speedy player.  

He made his VFL/AFL debut the same day as teammate Eddie Craddock, who also later played in Melbourne’s 1948 premiership.

Spittle’s debut also coincided with the great Fred Fanning’s 100th match for Melbourne.

He kicked just one goal in his career, against Richmond in round four, 1948.