Ron Barassi: Australian Football
Ronald Dale “Ron” Barassi, Jr. AM (born 27 February 1936) is a former Australian rules footballer and coach, being one of the most important figures in the history of Australian football. He represented Melbourne from 1953 to 1864 and Carlton from 1965 to 1969. During his teen years, Barassi lived with Norm Smith, coach of the Melbourne Football, after his father Ron Barassi, Sr. was killed during World War II.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Barassi’s long career was decorated with numerous achievements and awards. He is a two-time medalist of the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott in 1961 and 1964, played for the VFL Premiership six times, became Melbourne’s leading goal-kicker in 1958 and 1959 and captained the club from 1960 to 1964. Rob Barassi became part of the All-Australian team in 1956, 1958 and 1961, National Football Carnival Championship in 1956 and 1958 and became Victoria captain. He has a Legend status in Melbourne’s Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, Australian Football Hall of Fame – Legend status and the AFL Team of the Century. As a coach, he had a 4-time VFL Premiership and a VFL/AFL Italian Team of the Century.
Why Was He So Good?
Ron Barassi was an innovator as both player and coach, revolutionizing the game by extending and improving it. He was demanding towards his players as a coach, similar to how he was demanding to himself. He combined extensive strategic expertise with his trademark enthusiasm, dedication and destructive willpower. Barassi’s coaching career wasn’t only considered successful, but was also defined as ground-breaking by many football analyzers and critics.
What You May Not Know
- Ron Barassi is a third generation Australian, a descendent of one of the Swiss Italians of Australians who migrated to Australia during the 1850s and 60s.
- His original team is Preston Scouts as a midfielder and he was very good in that position.
- On February 2008, he launched his book “Barassi” which focused on his personal life and memories.
- Since retiring from coaching, Ron Barassi continued to be a prominent Australian Rules football celebrity and a figure of popular culture.
- He was honored with the Member of the Order of Australia in 1978, Commendation for Brave Conduct in 2014 and Australian Sports Medal in 2000.
Was he a legend?
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Related Pages
- More Australian Football legendary players
- Athlete Database home
- About the sport of Australian Football
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