Brownlow Medallist Dr Donald Cordner, a member of one of Victoria's most famous sporting families, has died aged 87.

After his VFL career, Cordner became president of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), where he also achieved the rare distinction of life membership.

He was the second-oldest of four brothers who played in the VFL for Melbourne, along with Edward, Denis and John.

His father Edward and nephew David are also former Demons.

Cordner won the 1946 Brownlow and was a member of Melbourne's 1941 and 1948 premiership teams.

The midfielder and defender captained the 1948 premiership team in his 166-game career, which also featured Victorian selection.

Cordner was president of the MCC from 1985-92 and oversaw the club's long-term agreement for AFL games to be played at the MCG.

That led to the rebuilding of the Great Southern Stand in 1992.

The MCC has given life membership to only 81 people since it was founded in 1838.

The MCC members' entrance at the MCG is called the Cordner Entrance in honour of the family.

"Donald Cordner had a long and proud association with the MCC over many decades, serving with distinction during a momentous period in the history of the club and the MCG," current MCC president David Meiklejohn said in a statement.

Cordner is survived by wife Moyle and his children Steven, Christopher and Merryn and several grandchildren.

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