GEELONG legend Peter Pianto has passed away at the age of 78.

Originally recruited from Eaglehawk, Pianto played 121 games and kicked 144 goals for the Cats between 1951 and 1957 as a brilliant rover, but he continued to serve the club in many roles over the last 50 years.

As a player, Pianto was sought after by as many as four league clubs, but chose to stay in Geelong because of its country atmosphere. 

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 also an outstanding contributor in the 1951 and 1952 premiership sides.  

Pianto played for Victoria nine times and won Geelong's best and fairest in 1953. 

He admitted he probably retired too early at the age of 28, when he coached Coragulac and then moved to Claremont for three years as captain coach. 

He coached Geelong from 1966 to 1970, including a Grand Final appearance in 1967.

Pianto is a member of the Geelong Football Club Hall of Fame and Team of the Century and the club released a statement on Tuesday saying they were deeply saddened with the news of his death.

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

“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 teammates, 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.”