Melbourne legend Ron Barassi caught Covid at superspreading event
A Covid-positive man who breached his 14-day isolation may be why the Melbourne legend and 40 others became infected.
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A game of golf in Yarrawonga is believed to be the catalyst for the Covid superspreading event which infected Melbourne legend Ron Barassi.
Barassi, 85, and his wife Cheryl both tested positive after attending Peter “Crackers” Keenan’s 70th birthday party in Port Melbourne last month.
More than 130 people attended the party, with at least 40 now understood to have since contracted the virus.
While the Department of Health has yet to send a notification to the party attendees despite them being required to do QR code check-in and vaccination proof upon arrival, Page 13 has learned about the suspected origins of the spread.
It’s understood one partygoer from Yarrawonga had played a round of golf in the days leading up with a Covid-positive person who had breached his 14-day isolation period to hit a few balls.
He then travelled to Melbourne for Keenan’s celebrations before becoming aware 24 hours later that he was carrying the virus.
Barassi, who was double vaccinated, wasn’t required to attend hospital and is isolating at home but unfortunately will no longer be able to take part in Melbourne’s premiership celebrations.
The Hall of Famer was scheduled to present the Demons’ 2021 premiership cup at an event at the MCG on Sunday in front of up to 40,000 fans.
Barassi’s appearance as he battles his own health issues would have been one of the most emotional parts of the celebration, with the champion player and coach beloved by the Demons faithful.
Several high-profile AFL and media figures attended Keenan’s party with a number testing positive, including one radio commentator who became seriously ill.
Keenan, who played in a premiership under Barassi at North Melbourne in 1977, managed to escape but it is believed a member of his extended family tested positive.
Some of the AFL legends in attendance included Bernie Quinlan, Wayne Schimmelbusch and former St Kilda coach Stan Alves.
Melbourne premiership player Frank Davis and former Carlton great David McKay are both believed to have tested positive.
Superspreading events across Melbourne are quickly becoming a weekly thing with celebrities and sports stars getting caught out.
Starting the trend was last month’s lavish Melbourne Cup party thrown by the owners of Cup-winning mare Verry Elleegant.
Part-owner Ozzie Kheir was one of 26 cases to test positive in the days after the event which was held at Chris Lucas’ Society restaurant.
Those who attended and were forced to get Covid tests included some of Australia’s biggest sports stars including former Australian Test captain Ricky Ponting, Richmond premiership hero Trent Cotchin and North Melbourne great Wayne Carey.
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