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Ron Barassi

Last updated on November 25, 2024 at 18:09 pm

Posted on July 23, 2024 at 15:01 pm

Ron Barassi

Personal information

Date of birth

27 February 1936

Place of birth

Castlemaine, Victoria, Australia

Date of death

16 September 2023 (aged 87)

Place of death

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Original team(s)

Preston Scouts

Height

179 cm (5 ft 10 in)

Weight

87 kg (192 lb)

Position(s)

Midfielder

Playing career

Years

Club

Games (Goals)


1953–1964

Melbourne

204 (295)


1965–1969

Carlton

50 (35)


Total


254 (330)


Representative team honours

Years

Team

Games (Goals)



Victoria

? (?)


Coaching career

Years

Club

Games (W–L–D)


1965–1971

Carlton

147 (99–47–1)


1973–1980

North Melbourne

198 (130–65–3)


1964; 1981–1985

Melbourne

111 (34–77–0)


1993–1995

Sydney

59 (13–46–0)


Total


515 (276–235–4)


Career highlights

Club

  • 6× VFL Premiership player: (1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1964)

  • 2× Keith 'Bluey' Truscott Medallist: (1961, 1964)

  • 2× Melbourne leading goalkicker: (1958, 1959)

  • Melbourne captain: (1960–1964)

  • Melbourne Hall of Fame – Legend status

  • Melbourne Team of the Century

Representative

  • 2× National Football Carnival Championship: 1956, 1958

  • 3× All-Australian team: 1956, 1958, 1961

  • Victoria captain

Overall

  • Sport Australia Hall of Fame

  • AFL Team of the Century – Rover

  • Australian Football Hall of Fame – Legend status

  • Australian Sports Medal: 2001

Coaching

  • 4× VFL Premiership coach: (1968, 1970, 1975, 1977)

  • VFL/AFL Italian Team of the Century

  • AFLCA Coaching Legend Award: 2010


Ron Barassi, a legendary figure in Australian Rules Football, captivated fans with his innovative gameplay and unwavering determination. His impact on the sport transcends mere statistics; Barassi’s influence is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the game. From his early days in Castlemaine to his triumphs on the field and the sidelines, Barassi’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and unparalleled success. His journey is a tribute to the enduring legacy of a true sporting icon, leaving fans and historians alike keen to uncover more about his remarkable career.

Early Life

Born in Castlemaine, Victoria in 1936, Ron Barassi, the Australian Rules Football icon, grew up in a family deeply connected to the sport. His father, Ron Barassi Sr., had played for the Melbourne Football Club, instilling a passion for the game in young Ron.

Raised in Melbourne and of Italian Australian descent, Barassi’s family history dated back to the gold rushes of the 1850s. These early influences would shape his future in Australian Rules Football, leading him to become one of the most influential figures in the sport’s history.

Barassi’s upbringing in a football-centric environment set the stage for his remarkable career and lasting legacy in the world of sports.

Playing Career

During his playing career, Ron Barassi revolutionized the game of Australian Rules Football through his innovative style and strategic prowess. Barassi’s impact on the field was immense, with his development of the ruck-rover position changing the way the game was played. His leadership skills were evident as he led Melbourne to three successive premierships, leaving a lasting mark on the sport. One of his most famous moments was the iconic tackle during the 1957 Grand Final, showcasing his determination and skill.

Achievements

Notable Moments

Three successive premierships

1957 Grand Final tackle

Innovative playing style

Strategic leadership

Impact on game style

Iconic moments

Leadership skills

Determination

Coaching Career

Throughout his career, Ron Barassi made significant contributions to Australian Rules Football through his coaching endeavors, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. He coached Carlton to a premiership victory in 1968 and guided North Melbourne to another premiership win in 1975.

Barassi’s coaching skills were further showcased when he returned to Melbourne in 1981 and later took charge of the Sydney Swans in 1993. With a keen eye for talent, he recruited notable players and played a pivotal role in the success of multiple teams.

Barassi’s coaching legacy remains a fundamental part of Australian Rules Football history, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most influential figures.

Coaching Stats

Ron Barassi’s coaching stats reflect his remarkable impact on Australian Rules Football history.

  • Coached Carlton to a premiership in 1968.

  • Led North Melbourne to a premiership in 1975.

  • Returned to Melbourne in 1981 and later coached the Sydney Swans in 1993.

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