We are very sad to hear of the passing of champion Fitzroy player Ross Thornton.

Ross was a star defender of our great 1980s sides and played alongside fellow club legends like Quinlan, Rendell, Wilson, Conlan and Serafini.

A measure of how good Ross Thornton was as a player came when he won the 1984 Fitzroy Best and Fairest Award. 

He played 146 games for the club between 1980 and 1989.

In more recent years, Ross was on the Brisbane Lions Board.

A wonderful person off the ground, Ross was always happy to talk to Fitzroy supporters and was a very popular figure at club functions.

On behalf of the Board, club members, players and supporters we send our love and condolences to the Thornton family. 

FFC players will wear black armbands in memory of Ross on Saturday.

Rest in Peace champion Royboy.