AFL community mourns the passing of all time great Ron Barassi

The AFL community is united in grief today as it mourns the loss of the legendary Ron Barassi, who passed away at the age of 87.

The family of the Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend broke the news of his passing via a statement on Saturday, September 16.

“After a full and extraordinary life, Ronald Dale Barassi, aged 87, left us today due to complications from a fall,” the statement read.

“He died peacefully, surrounded by loving family.

“We ask for privacy at this time.”

Regarded as one of the all-time greats in the sport’s history, Barassi holds the distinction of being the first player inducted as a “Legend” into the Australian Football Hall of Fame. He is also one of only four Australian rules footballers to achieve this honour in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Barassi’s AFL journey began after his father, Ron Barassi Sr., a Melbourne Football Club player, tragically died in World War II when Barassi was just five years old. Determined to honour his father’s legacy, Barassi joined the Melbourne club, leading to the creation of the father–son rule, which is still in use in the AFL today.

He lived with Norm Smith, Melbourne’s coach and a former teammate of his father, who mentored him. Under Smith’s guidance, Barassi played a pivotal role in revolutionising the ruck rover position and contributed to six premiership-winning teams, captaining two of them.

In 1964, Barassi left Melbourne for a lucrative contract with Carlton. He retired from playing in 1969 but went on to coach Carlton to two premierships. One of his most memorable moments came in 1970 when he led Carlton to an incredible grand final comeback in front of the largest football crowd in history. In 1971, he returned to coaching, first with North Melbourne and later with Melbourne and the Sydney Swans, helping rebuild these clubs as competitive forces in the league.

Barassi’s coaching career was both successful and groundbreaking. His passion for the game, along with his advocacy for a national club-level competition, made him a revered figure in Australian culture. He received numerous accolades, including being named a Member of the Order of Australia in 1978 and earning a spot in the AFL’s Team of the Century as a ruck-rover in 1996.

As news broke of his passing, the AFL community, together with devoted fans and high-profile figures, united to reflect on and celebrate Barassi’s incredible sporting legacy and pay tribute to “a true legend of football”.

There is no more famous name in football than Ron Barassi and there is no-one who gave more to the game that millions love.

— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 16, 2023

Vale Ron Barrasi. A legend in every respect, he was a legendary footballer and a legendary Victorian. I was very lucky to meet a couple times. Generations of Victorians revered him. Rest in peace and thoughts to his family. We will not see his like again. pic.twitter.com/F4BvgrGTiq

— Bill Shorten (@billshortenmp) September 16, 2023

A true legend of football ❤️#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/T2PI07XBgj

— AFL (@AFL) September 16, 2023

The word legend is used a lot.

But nobody deserves it quite like Ron Barassi.

He didn’t just play the game – he reshaped it.

And how fitting that last night’s game was a cliffhanger between the Dees and the Blues. pic.twitter.com/NJCcZkTyn9

— Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) September 16, 2023

An icon of the game was lost today… Ron, a player with Italian heritage is the reason my Dad as a youngster fresh off the boat from Italy in the 60s decided to follow Melbourne. An icon, a legend and a Demon forever…. “Every Heart Beats True” Vale Ron Barassi, 1936-2023 ❤️???? pic.twitter.com/6YJHhspAHE

— Sean Marsicovetere (@SeanMarsico) September 16, 2023

Ron Barassi was an heroic man. In sport and in life.

— Neil Mitchell (@3AWNeilMitchell) September 16, 2023

Vale Ron Barassi.

One of our best and a hugely pivotal character in the success of Aussie rules.

‘Practice makes perfect’ is bullshit. Only perfect practice makes perfect.’ pic.twitter.com/V7zXADbzH1

— Tizz (@GoTizzGo) September 16, 2023

A truly incredible contributor to our great game.

Vale, Ron Barassi ❤️ pic.twitter.com/898AqH5QzW

— Melbourne Cricket Ground (@MCG) September 16, 2023

Hall of famer, icon, legend ????❤️

The Melbourne Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of its favourite sons. Vale Ron Barassi AM.

???? | https://t.co/1C9BS3u2aq pic.twitter.com/PDTEgmISQs

— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) September 16, 2023

We are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ron Barassi.

His impact on our football club and AFL in Sydney was profound – a giant of the game.

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) September 16, 2023

Feeling the loss of Ron Barassi. An old friend of my dad’s from a different era of football, yet an enduring legend. Thoughts are with Ron’s family tonight. (Photo: Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/KhhsJ4XeT2

— Zoe Daniel (@zdaniel) September 16, 2023

For all that he achieved in football, for all that he did to take the great Australian game forward, it’s perhaps the modesty of the man that truly endures.

As someone once said: “Ron never realised he was Ron Barassi”.

RIP RDB – and thankyou. pic.twitter.com/QuzO9Mgs4L

— Tony De Bolfo (@tony_debolfo) September 16, 2023

A true legend of the game.

North Melbourne carries heavy hearts following the passing of football icon and the club’s first-ever premiership coach, Ron Barassi, earlier today ????

Our deepest condolences go out to Ron’s family and friends.#Kangas

— North Melbourne FC (@NMFCOfficial) September 16, 2023

Vale Ron Barassi.

Now up in the stars with the late Allen Aylett and the late Ron Joseph reminiscing how they took @NMFCOfficial from bottom of the ladder to win its first two VFL Premierships in 1975 and 1977. The stuff of legend.

Condolences to the Barassi family. ???????? pic.twitter.com/8ugzTNLkD9

— Ben Carroll (@BenCarrollMP) September 16, 2023

The word “Legend” gets bandied about a bit too much in this day & age,but let me tell you,we lost a dead set one today with the news of the passing of Ron Barassi.Not only a champion footballer but a champion bloke. I’ll never forget the laughs (& the arguments) we had. RIP Ron.

— John Burgess (@thejohnburgess) September 16, 2023

Barassi is survived by wife his Cherryl and three children Susan, Richard and Ron