During his time with Melbourne he won two Brownlow Medals, played in their 1926 premiership side, was captain-coach of the club and represented his state of Victoria on numerous occasions.

By 1924 Warne-Smith had such a reputation that Victorian teams were keen to bring him back to Melbourne, despite the fact that he was 27.

On the outbreak of World War II, he rejoined the Army (having been initially rejected on the grounds that he was too old at 43).

He served with the Royal Australian Army Service Corps, in charge of fuel supplies, in the Middle East, the Northern Territory, New Guinea and Borneo.

In 1949 Warne-Smith became chairman of selectors for the Melbourne Football Club, a post he held until his death.

Warne-Smith was Smith's closest advisor and was regarded as the club's elder statesman, becoming a life member in 1952.

[3] In June 2000 Warne-Smith was named to the position of centre half-forward in the Melbourne Football Club's Team of the Century, in a ceremony attended by his four grandsons.

"Ivor Warne-Smith, quiet and unassuming, was nonetheless energetic and enthusiastic in his endeavours to keep the Team up to the mark.

The ruck, defence, attack, or centre positions all come alike to this brainy, sterling footballer.

Warne-Smith is an astute leader, who makes some daring moves and inspires his players by his own brilliance.