Australian Football Hall of Famer and Essendon, North Melbourne great Barry Davis dies aged 80

Essendon and North Melbourne are mourning the loss of triple premiership player Barry Davis, who died, aged 80, on Wednesday after a life that included a remarkable 289-game career.

Essendon and North Melbourne great Barry Davis has passed away, aged 80.

Essendon and North Melbourne are mourning the loss of Australian Football Hall of Fame champion and triple premiership player Barry Davis, who died, aged 80, on Wednesday.

Davis had the rare distinction of being selected in both the Bombers and Kangaroos’ teams of the century, with his impact on both clubs seismic for the way he conducted himself on and off the field in a remarkable 289-game career across 15 VFL seasons from 1961 to 1975.

He was a star half-back and ruck rover for Essendon, having been recruited from the local high school, going on to play roles in the club’s 1962 and 1965 premiership sides before captaining the club during two seasons in the early 1970s.

But his move to Arden St under the short-lived 10-year rule - alongside Doug Wade and John Rantall - proved the catalyst for the Kangaroos’ inaugural premiership success.,

As the revered captain of the 1975 premiership side, he always had exalted status at his second club.

Barry Davis has died.

Both clubs and the AFL paid tribute to Davis, who was equal second in the 1969 Brownlow Medal and who won five best and fairest at his two clubs (three times at Essendon and twice in three seasons at North Melbourne).

He also coached Essendon for three seasons from 1978-1980.

“Barry Davis was not only a great of our football club, but of Australian football more broadly,” Essendon CEO Craig Vozzo said.

“His impact at both Essendon and North Melbourne was enormous and he will always be remembered and celebrated.

“When Essendon people think of Barry, they will remember him both as a champion player and true gentleman.”

Ron Barassi and Barry Davis with the 1975 Premiership cup. Picture: George Salpigtidis

North Melbourne president Dr Sonja Hood said: “So many people connected to that first great era of our club credit Barry – alongside coach Ron Barassi – with lifting the expectation of our players and supporters after a long run without the ultimate success.

“The wonderful pictures of Barry kissing our first VFL/AFL Premiership Cup are among the most iconic in our 155-year history and he’ll be forever remembered as a North Melbourne champion.”

The Roos will wear black armbands in honour of Davis and 1962 Best and Fairest Bill Serong - who also died this week - in Saturday’s match against Port Adelaide in Hobart.

AFL chairman Andrew Dillon said: “Barry Davis was a brilliant defender and ruck rover who was one of the greats of the VFL in the 1960s and 1970s.”

“A triple premiership player and five-time best and fairest winner across his career, he was also a regular state representative for Victoria and a hero to young fans at both of his clubs.”

Originally published as Australian Football Hall of Famer and Essendon, North Melbourne great Barry Davis dies aged 80