Ron Barassi: AFL, Melbourne legend contracts Covid at birthday party event

Several former AFL/VFL players have tested positive for Covid after attending a 70th birthday for Peter ‘Crackers’ Keenan, while the chain of transmission now includes family members.

Melbourne football legend Ron Barassi has been struck down with Covid-19, robbing the AFL champion of the chance to present the Demons 2021 premiership cup.

The Herald Sun revealed on Thursday Barassi, 85, contracted the virus at the 70th birthday of another Melbourne identity — Peter “Crackers” Keenan.

The Hall of Famer was scheduled to present the Demons 2021 premiership cup at a fans event at the MCG on Sunday in front of up to 40,000 fans but is instead isolating at home.

It is understood Barassi recently received his second vaccination dose.

He and wife Cheryl are both believed to have contracted the virus, but have improved marginally in recent days.

They are said to be feeling poorly but otherwise bearing up well.

Ron Barassi with Melbourne’s 2021 premiership trophy.

The event which was held at the Port Melbourne football ground with around 130 people has now become a super-spreading event with over 40 people believed to have now tested positive.

They included several high-profile football and media identities.

Barassi’s personal assistant Rosemary Long said on Thursday Barassi was disappointed to miss the MCG premiership celebration.

“He is at home and people are keeping an eye on him. He improved a bit yesterday and he is laying low while they recover. He is doing what he can to support his immune system and resting up and keeping well hydrated,” she told the Herald Sun.

“It is a bit of bad timing but he has to take care of himself and let his body work it out (of his system).”

Barassi was scheduled to attend a media event on Wednesday alongside fellow Melbourne legends Neale Daniher and Ron Barassi as part of the promotion for the premiership cup celebration ahead of Sunday but pulled out due to health reasons.

Keenan said he spent Sunday calling his 130 guests to alert them to the positive case.

“As soon as I found out I was on the phone and checking with everyone to make sure if they weren’t feeling well to get tested,’’ said Keenan, who has tested negative.

“I phoned Cheryl (Barassi) and she said she wasn’t feeling well and on Monday she was positive. Ron also got tested. Some people haven’t got it but they’ve passed it on to family members.”

Keenan said the likes of Stan Alves, Barry Bourke and Wayne Schimmelbusch were all ok, but other guests including David McKay, Frank Davis and Shane McCarthy had tested positive.

Ron Barrassi was due to appear at Melbourne’s premiership celebration.

The premiership celebration will include fans watching the incredible drought-breaking premiership and then listening to coach Simon Goodwin’s long-awaited speech.

He was denied the chance to speak after the Grand Final when host Basil Zempilas moved on without giving him the chance, so has had weeks to prepare.

Barassi’s appearance as he battles his own health issues would have been one of the most emotional parts of the MCG celebration, with the champion player and coach beloved by the Demons faithful.

The Herald Sun revealed on Thursday former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher will present the Jock McHale Medal to Goodwin, with David Neitz to present the Norm Smith Medal to Christian Petracca.

One of that pair could also double up and present the premiership cup or the club could choose to rejig its list of presenters to find another Melbourne champion.

Barassi last month saw the 2021 premiership cup for the first time since it was won at Perth Stadium and immediately called upon the current band of Demons to win back-to-back premierships.

“Melbourne won a mighty, mighty, mighty flag; they are hard things to win, so well done, we love you,” Barassi said in a message to the club’s 2021 premiership heroes.

“That was a well-earned, fantastic win. There is no reason why there shouldn’t be more to come.

“The Melbourne players and their supporters should be very happy. Give us a couple of weeks (of celebrating) and let’s get ready for next year.”