The brother of an AFL great who disappeared from Melbourne almost 14 years ago has “most likely” met with foul play, police say.

Brendan Breen, brother of St Kilda great Barry Breen, was last seen by his girlfriend at the Hilton hotel in South Wharf in April 2012.

The then-55-year-old was reported missing one month later in May after he cancelled dinner with his separated wife via an unusual text message.

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Brendan Breen was reported missing when he cancelled dinner with his wife via text message in May 2012 but there were some doubts about whether he’d left on his own accord until he missed his own daughter’s funeral four years later. (Victoria Police)

He missed his daughter’s wedding about a month later, and four years after that he missed his daughter’s funeral.

Brendan’s twin sister Fiona Dwyer made an emotional plea for information on behalf of the family today.

“It’s gut-wrenching, absolutely gut-wrenching. It’s just a hole in our lives,” she said.

One of five siblings, Dwyer said her brothers were “all concerned”.

“Living not knowing what happened to him is difficult. The kindest thing to do would be to come forward with any information, no matter how small it is.”

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Brendan’s twin sister Fiona issued a plea for information about her brother’s disappearance. (Nine)

Missing persons squad Inspector Dave Dunstan said suspicions were heightened when Brendan failed to show up at the October 18 funeral, describing it as the “catalyst” for his squad to get involved.

“While 14 years have passed, we strongly believe there are still people out there who know what has happened to Brendan, who is involved and why this has happened,” he said in a statement.

“Even the smallest detail could be what leads us to a breakthrough and hopefully, puts us in a position to give Brendan’s family some answers.”

The grandfather’s bank accounts and phone haven’t been accessed since his disappearance.

“It’s been determined that most likely he has met with foul play,” Dunstan said.

Police said Brendan – also known as Brendan Green, Brian Greer and Brendan Lacombe – had previously been charged with fraud offences and spent “several years” in jail.

“There are a number of aspects about his disappearance that continue to give us cause for concern, especially the length of time he has been missing with no trace whatsoever,” Dunstan said.

“We know he had a number of associates who were also known to police, and while they have been spoken to over the years, this remains an active avenue of enquiry for investigators.”

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Brendan is the brother of St Kilda great Barry Breen, who kicked the winning point in the Saints’ only premiership win in 1966. (Nine)

The day Brendan was last seen in Melbourne was April 12, 2012, and the cancelled dinner was on May 9 that same year.

Police said he and his ex-wife were still on good terms and she became concerned when he cancelled at the last minute with a text and then stopped answering calls.

They appealed for help to find the man but said it didn’t turn up any new leads.

“Despite a number of enquiries over the next few years, Brendan could not be located,” police said.

“In October 2018, Brendan failed to appear at his daughter’s funeral and his family believed this to be out of character as the pair were close.

“The matter was reviewed and detectives now believe Brendan’s disappearance is suspicious, and he has most likely met with foul play.

“His bank accounts and phone have never been accessed, and there has never been any reported sightings of Brendan.”