Barry Nolan remembered as rare footballer after decorated VFA career

Barry Nolan, the only man to win three premierships with VFA club Brunswick, will be remembered as an honourable but tough great of the game.

Brunswick great Barry Nolan with the VFA premiership trophy.

Brunswick and VFA great Barry Nolan has been remembered as a “rare person and rare footballer” after his death last week.

“Gabby” played 185 games for the Magpies between 1974 and 1985 and claimed the 1978 JJ Liston Trophy in a tie with Preston’s Trevor Durward.

Nolan captained the club for six seasons, captain-coached for five seasons and is the only man to play in three premierships for Brunswick.

He retired from the VFA at age 37 after leading Brunswick to the 1985 Division 2 flag.

He also spent time at Riverina club Ganmain, near Wagga, Craigieburn, Jacana and Wallan where his son, Daniel, currently coaches.

Brunswick great Barry Nolan with the VFA premiership trophy.

Barry Nolan with the cup named in his honour, contested by Craigieburn and Jacana.

Known as a fair footballer, he was also a product of his time and didn’t shy away from a fight.

A notable boxer, Nolan appeared on TV Ringside on several occasions.

Coburg and fellow VFA great Phil Cleary paid tribute to his old rival.

“Gabby was a rare person and a rare footballer and his love of Brunswick was insurmountable,” he said.

“He was tough, he could box, but he was honourable. He wasn’t one of those king hit merchants that you crossed paths with and didn’t like. Everyone loved him.

“I was so honoured when he described me as one of his toughest opponents.

“He knocked me over in a game, he whacked me, in a game at Brunswick.

“I’d given him a clip and he returned with I think a left-right combination – we frown upon it these days but it has a happy ending – we could laugh about it and shake hands after the game.

Barry Nolan and Ron Simpson training with Michael Zerafa in 2018. Picture: Jay Town

“I spoke at his 70th birthday and he whispered in my ear, ‘I regret that, it wasn’t the right thing to do’ and that’s the calibre of the man.

“In the modern game where everyone moves around, he was wedded to Brunswick, he grew up in Brunswick 100m from the ground and he loved that club.”

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Daniel Nolan left a heartfelt message on Brunswick Football Club’s Facebook page.

“It’s an extremely difficult time but we appreciate the support,” he said.

“You have all played such a huge role in dad’s life. He loved the club, the people and the players. We have so many great memories and dad told us some amazing stories about the good old Brunswick days.”

With funeral numbers limited due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of Barry Nolan’s life is planned at Craigieburn Sporting Club with details to be confirmed.