North Adelaide Football Club to pay tribute to Barrie Robran in special game against Port Adelaide

They were fierce rivals on the footy field. But on Sunday, South Australia will pause to reflect on the lives and friendship of Barrie Robran and Russell Ebert.

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Thousands of footy fans are expected to flock to Prospect Oval this weekend to pay tribute to SA footy legend Barrie Robran.

The three-time Magarey Medallist’s beloved Roosters are set to take on Port Adelaide, who his longtime rival and close friend Russell Ebert pulled on the guernsey a record 392 times.

Former Port Adelaide Magpies legend Russell Ebert with Barrie Robran.

Robran, who passed on Wednesday aged 77, was a regular at Prospect Oval this season, often seen on the outer cheering on the SANFL side.

North Adelaide Football Club Chief Executive Craig Burton encouraged all football fans to attend on Sunday, where a minute’s silence will take place.

“When you talk about greats in South Australian footy, it’s probably Barry and Russell one and two, so it’s a great chance to come show your support,” he said.

“It’s been special to see how the outpouring of grief the last couple of days, nobody had a bad word to say about Barrie - he’s one of a kind.”

The club will also encourage fans to stand up and applaud at the ten-minute mark of the game - in honour of Barrie who wore number ten.

All SANFL games will host a minute’s silence in tribute to Barrie Robran. Picture: Morgan Sette

All SANFL games will host a minute’s silence this weekend.

Players in the Whyalla Football League will also wear black arm bands to pay tribute to Robran, who pulled on the boots for North Whyalla before joining North Adelaide in 1967.

His former team introduced the Robran Medal this year, which is awarded to the player who best emulates the values of Barrie in the club’s match against rivals West Whyalla.

Originally published as North Adelaide Football Club to pay tribute to Barrie Robran in special game against Port Adelaide