The family of SA football icon Barrie Robran have declined an offer for a state service funeral

The family of South Australian football legend Barrie Robran has spoken publicly for the first time since his sudden death, confirming they will honour his wishes regarding a state service.

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The family of SA football icon Barrie Robran has spoken publicly for the first time since his sudden death, sharing a message of love, thanks and quiet pride on the SANFL website.

“His loss will have a profound impact on us all and we will miss him dearly,” the statement read.

In a heartfelt tribute posted late Friday, the Robran family said they had been “overwhelmed” by the outpouring of tributes and memories shared since Barrie’s passing on Wednesday.

“We take solace in the knowledge that Barrie’s impact and influence on so many was so great, in such a positive way,” they wrote.

The family also extended their gratitude to emergency staff at Calvary Adelaide Hospital and confirmed they would honour Barrie’s wish for a small private funeral.

“Our sincere thanks to Premier Peter Malinauskas and the people of South Australia for the offer – that we have respectfully declined – for a state service.”

The message echoed the humility of the man many regard as South Australia’s greatest-ever footballer.

“Those who knew him appreciated his humility, reflected in a preference to let his achievements speak for themselves.”

The statement came just hours after Robran’s niece, radio presenter Jade Robran, made an emotional return to FIVEAA’s breakfast program.

Radio star’s emotional return to the airwaves

Radio star Jade Robran has made an emotional return to radio following the unexpected passing of her uncle, SANFL legend Barrie Robran on Wednesday.

Ms Robran appeared on FIVEAA’s breakfast program on Friday for the first time since her early exit from the program on Wednesday morning as news of the tragedy broke.

“It’s really nice to be back,” she said as co-host Tom Rehn welcomed her back.

Asked how she was feeling, she said: “You feel a bit numb ... Barrie’s death was unexpected and has come as a huge shock to all of us. It’s sad – he’s not here anymore.”

Ms Robran wiped away tears as she spoke of her cousins and family, and thanked listeners for their outpouring of support.

“Dad (ex-footballer Rodney Robran) just said to me ... ‘I’m not going to hear his voice anymore.”

“It’s just hard. Reading the tributes, hearing the stories shared has been so heartwarming, and we are so grateful.

“Please keep them coming, cause it does make it easier.”

Ms Robran shared her own memories of her uncle, and said he was “such a lovely man”.

Jade Robran made an emotional return to radio on Friday following the untimely passing of uncle Barrie Robran. Picture: FIVEAA

“Through the tears we are smiling, knowing that he is an incredible man, obviously an incredible footballer.”

“He was a huge talent on field, but a greater human off.”

Ms Robran spoke of her uncle’s humility, saying he always “wanted to be part of the people”.

“We were always told ‘don’t be a big head.”

“Just be kind and be humble to people, and I think that was the epitome of who he is.”

North Adelaide Football Club legend Barrie Robran at Prospect Oval. Picture: Morgan Sette

Barrie was a tough nut: Brother

Later, Mr Robran’s younger brother – Jade Robran’s dad and former North Adelaide premiership player Rodney Robran – called into the show to share his own memories.

Mr Robran began with illustrating how much of a “tough nut” his brother was by revealing an intimate story going back to the preliminary final game against Sturt more than 50 years ago.

“It was 1973, we were playing Sturt at the Adelaide Oval,” Mr Robran recalled.

“During the week, Barrie had some quite bad pains in his behind and he’s gone to the club doctor and he’s had some quite bad potholes, which is not very comfortable when you’re trying to play football.

“I think the only chappies that knew about it was the coach, myself, Barrie, and the doctor.

“(And) just before the game on Saturday, he had to go get them cut out and he was in absolute pain, he had to have these painkillers.

“But he didn’t want to miss the game so he had to have this cotton wool and stuff stuck up his behind so the bleeding wouldn’t start.

“He played a fair game – not a brilliant game but a fair game.”

Alby, 11, pays tribute to South Australian footballer Barrie Robran who died aged 77 at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Mr Robran said his brother was always resilient and dedicated, revealing he would stay back for hours after a training or a game for some additional practice.

Tributes have poured in for Barrie, who died aged 77 on Wednesday, with the football world lauding him as a “colossus of South Australian football” who was “simply the best”.

It comes as the SANFL announced it would be holding a minute’s silence before the first bounce of Round 14 League matches and the SANFLW Preliminary Final this weekend.

Players and umpires across all SANFL competitions – including Reserves, SANFL Under-18s and Under-16s – also will wear black armbands in honour of Robran, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to grace the field in South Australia.

Originally published as The family of SA football icon Barrie Robran have declined an offer for a state service funeral