Victorians flock to MCG to farewell footy king Ron Barassi

Melbourne’s top of 31 degrees can be seen as a salute to footy king Ron Barassi, as Victorians flocked to the MCG on Friday to farewell the “legend, hero and dad” at a state memorial service.

Braving the sun and the glare, thousands of Victorians flocked to the MCG on Friday to farewell 10-time premiership player and coach Ron Barassi.

Weather gods’ also paid tribute to the footy king with Melbourne tipped to reach 31 degrees – the guernsey number both he and his father wore at the Demons.

Attendees have heard a number of tributes from footballing greats and Barassi’s closest friends and family in a service hosted by Eddie McGuire.

In a homage to footballing folklore, and the man himself, speakers include Leigh Matthews, Kevin Sheedy, former premier Steve Bracks and 3AW’s Neil Mitchell.

The service booklet featured a poem by Dedona called Thinking of Hercules.

Host Eddie McGuire kicked off the ceremony by paying tribute to the coach and his legendary career that spanned more than 40 years.

A patron holding the memorial booklet during the service. Picture: Getty Images

A mourner sheds a tear during the Ron Barassi State Memorial Service. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

Crowds in the stands during the service. Picture: Aaron Francis

Huge crowds have gathered for the service to honour the life of Australian Football League legend Ronald Dale Barassi AM at the MCG. Picture: Aaron Francis

Thousands of people have gathered for the Victoria State Memorial Service for Ron Barassi AM at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

Eddie McGuire addresses the gathering during the Ron Barassi State Memorial Service. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

“Welcome to the G on a day when the forecast is, of course, 31 degrees,” McGuire said.

“Barassi was a force of nature. As a player, coach, commentator and as a citizen. For 70 years the Barassi name was the biggest in this town.”

Indigenous elder Aunty Diane Kerr delivered a Welcome to Country alongside musician Amos Roach.

Star player Max Gawn could be seen in the crowd decked out in Demons gear.

Premier Jacinta Allan likened the footy great to a “Messiah”.

Corporal Fiona Wilkins sings the national anthem during the service. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

Amos Roach performs during the service. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

“Here in Victoria where football is a religion, players are akin to gods … he was the ultimate divine being,” she said.

“Barassi the Messiah. There was nothing holy about his wins, instead he bent the world to his will.

“He was the face of footy, you could see the force running through the man – pure determination.”

Barassi’s son, also named Ron Barassi, extended his “extreme gratitude” to the audience for their support and kindness.

Ron Barassi Jnr at his dad’s State Memorial Service at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on November 10, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

“To many people dad was a legend and a hero but to our tribe, dad was, dad,” he said.

“All my time spent with dad when I was younger was while he was working. But Dad would always say that he never worked a day in his life.

“Dad loved a challenge … he would never give up. Dad lived an extraordinary life but had an extremely painful final year, but he never complained.

“Right to the very end dad was cheeky, loved a laugh and had a sense of humour.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillion also paid tribute to the legend and for his work in revolutionising the game as a player, including creating the position of ruck rover.

“For that, our game will be forever grateful,” he said.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillion said Barassi revolutionised the game. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

“Today we farewell Barassi on the ground where he ruled. He won six premierships as a player and four as a coach. No one has won as many premierships on this ground.”

Footy legend Kevin Sheedy said Barassi’s “magnificence” was shown when he saved a young woman from being bashed on New Year’s Day in 2009.

Barassi, then 72, tackled one of the thugs to the ground in Fitzroy St, St Kilda, before they turned on him, punched him and kicked him while he was down.

“What a legendary act of a legend,” Mr Sheedy said.

“He was an enormously successful coach and player. He’s been a scandal free figurehead of the game,” AFL great Leigh Matthews added.

Barassi, 87, died on September 16 and was farewelled in a small private service the following Friday.

The service concluded with Australian singer Mike Brady and his iconic tune ‘Up There Cazaly’.

Patrons line up to enter the memorial service for Ron Barassi. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

Patrons line up to enter the Victoria State Memorial Service held for Ron Barassi. Picture: Getty Images

The big screen is seen during the Ron Barassi state memorial service. Picture: Michael Willson

A bust of Ron Barassi pictured next to his premiership cups. Picture: Michael Klein

Victorians to farewell Ron Barassi

Victorians will have a chance to farewell Ron Barassi with an MCG public service fit for a footy king on Friday.

Former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher, who attended the private ceremony for Barassi, said the fact Barassi won a bravery award in 2009 for coming to the defence of a woman being attacked, spoke volumes.

“He was an Australian icon, not just AFL, and was a visionary for our game,’’ he said.

“A fearless leader and a man of strong character and principle as exemplified by the chase down of the grab and run thief.

“He was warm and charming and quick with a smile. Absolute legend. Will be missed.”

Ron Barassi & Kevin Sheedy. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Sheedy told the Herald Sun Barassi belonged to a special class of Aussie legend alongside the likes of Americas Cup hero John Bertrand, Don Bradman and racing great Bart Cummings.

“He was a legend with a capital L, in gold,’’ he said. “Bradman, those sorts of people, Cummings.

“They are a certain type or level – beautiful people.’’

Sheedy said Barassi — one of the original 12 players inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame -was “an exciting person and had an exciting way of thinking’’.

“He was very inspirational for young people who grew up in my time,’’ he said.

“He was an inspiration to us all on the footy field.’’

Melbourne captain Max Gawn cut short his overseas holiday to be back in town to pay his respects to a man who “transcended the game and whose wisdom is still used at AFL clubs today’’.

“I’m obviously biased here but I think we are sending off the legend of the AFL,’’ he said.

New AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon will also speak at the ceremony, telling the Herald Sun: “Ron was fierce, determined and utterly driven.

Ron Barassi playing for Melbourne in 1964. Picture: Getty Images

“He was also curious, engaging and warm.

“Ron Barassi seemed to have no realisation of just how famous he was. The game was what mattered.

“His lifelong mission was to spread the joy of Australian football to everyone around the country, way beyond the Barassi line, and for that our game – Ron’s game – will be forever grateful.’’

Barassi played 254 AFL games – 204 for Melbourne and 50 for Carlton – before coaching 515 games at Carlton, North Melbourne, Melbourne and Sydney.

Fans attending Friday’s service need to obtain a free ticket via Ticketek and be seated by 10.45am.

Highlights of Barassi’s proud career as a player and coach will be played on big screens of the MCG.

Barassi’s death sparked calls for the AFL premiership cup to be named in his honour. The league baulked at that tribute, is considering naming premiership medallions after him but is yet to make a formal announcement.