NORTH MELBOURNE is mourning the loss of club great Laurie Dwyer, who died on Monday morning at the age of 77.

North CEO Carl Dilena said the much-admired Dwyer, a wingman in the Kangaroos' Team of the Century, would be sorely missed at Arden Street.

"Laurie was small in stature but had such a big presence," Dilena told the club website.

"His love for the club was enormous and his personality was infectious. He will be missed immensely by his North Melbourne family.

"Laurie poured his heart and soul into football and particularly North Melbourne. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Raised in North Melbourne, Dwyer followed the example of his father Leo, who played 75 games for North from 1925-35.

Despite missing almost three seasons through various bouts of illness, Dwyer still played 201 games from 1956-70, winning two  club best and fairests and amassing seven other top-three placings.

He also polled particularly well in the Brownlow Medal, finishing runner-up twice and third on another occasion. His father had also finished equal third.

A humble, popular figure, Dwyer he earned the nickname 'Twinkle Toes' through his ballroom dancing skills, and this deft footwork was also a key part of his football armoury.

A three-time Victorian representative, Dwyer played Gaelic football with the first Australian Galahs team that toured Ireland and America in 1967.

He was also the subject of overtures from New South Wales rugby league club St George.

Dwyer played just two finals in a barren period for North but was involved in his beloved club's first premiership in 1975 as team runner.

He was later a Roos recruiter and administrator, and also worked with the Swans in the mid-1990s as they fought for survival.

In 1999 he won the Jack Titus Service Award for his outstanding contribution to the game.

His sons David and Anthony also played for North.