The Geelong Football Club is deeply saddened with the news that club great Peter Pianto has passed away.

"Peter was an outstanding person who served the club in many capacities for over 50 years," acting club CEO Stuart Fox said.

"Peter was a brilliant premiership player, and later he coached the club and took is to the 1967 grand final. In recent times he was a member of the club's history and tradition committee.

"Peter was a warm and friendly man and was popular with everyone associated with the club. His former team mates, those that played under him when he was a coach and all that came in contact with him through the tours he conducted were touched in some way by him.

"Peter will be sadly missed and we offer our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this sad time."

Peter played 121 games and kicked 144 goals over seven years with the Cats. He was a brilliant rover who was recruited from Eaglehawk. Pianto was chased by four league clubs, but settled on Geelong because of its country atmosphere. Often he seemed to have the ball on a string and was an accurate running drop kick apart from the occasions when he erred by running too fast.

One of his most memorable efforts was a five goal performance in the 1953 semi final against Collingwood when he gave a sustained exhibition of speed, courage and cleverness. He was an outstanding contributor in the 1951 and 1952 premiership winning sides.

Peter played for Victoria nine times and won the club best and fairest in 1953. He then coached Colac and Claremont as captain-coach for three years. He coached Geelong from 1966 to 1970 which included a grand final appearance as 1967. Peter is a member of the Geelong Football Club hall of fame and team of the century.