Heartbroken fans to pay final respects to SA football hero Barrie Robran at North v Port SANFL match
Poignant scenes have graced Prospect Oval as South Australian football legend Barrie Robran is honoured at a special tribute match between North Adelaide and Port Adelaide.
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South Australian football legend Barrie Robran would have likely been embarrassed by the spotlight on his life achievements at Prospect Oval on Sunday.
But the fitting SANFL game, played on hallowed ground, presented North Adelaide Football Club members and fans with an opportunity to publicly farewell the SA icon after his family respectfully declined a state service funeral.
Robran, who died on Wednesday aged 77, played 201 games at North.
The Roosters took to the field against Port Adelaide at Prospect Oval from 1.10pm on Sunday in a match honouring the three-time Magarey Medallist.
Ahead of the first bounce, a tribute played out across the oval’s loudspeaker.
“Barrie was without a doubt, in our view, the greatest ever to play Australian rules football and certainly the most revered son of our Roosters,” it said.
“His unparalleled skill, quiet humility, unwavering dedication, left an indelible mark on our club and the broader community.
“Barrie Robran was not just a player, he was an icon, a mentor and a true gentleman whose presence enriched everyone around him. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him.”
Players and fans stood for a minute of silence on the oval while highlights of Robran’s football career played out on the electronic scoreboard.
“Vale Barrie Robran forever #10” was spray-painted into the grass, a reference to Robran famously donning the No. 10 guernsey for North Adelaide.
In a moving moment, fans joined in a standing ovation at the 10-minute mark of the first quarter to celebrate Robran’s legacy.
Tributes have continued to pour in since his passing on Wednesday, with flowers and a plaque mounted in the club’s Legends Room in memory of the SA stalwart.
SA artist Peter Coad was at the game on Sunday to pay respects to Robran, a longtime friend.
“It’s kind of that connection just to be with Barrie on this day,” he said.
“Hopefully we can beat Port, because that was his most-hated side.”
Coad first got to know Robran through the club and would later provide artwork for his charity fundraisers.
“Barrie would often ask me for a painting once a year for fundraising for Novita,” he said, adding that the football legend also opened one of Coad’s exhibitions.
“There’s certainly a sadness for us in the Coad family,” he said.
Robran, known not only for his skill on the field but also his modesty, kicked 194 goals for the Roosters from 1967-80 and was a member of its 1971-72 premiership teams.
Club member and longtime fan Douglas Matthews described Robran as “brilliant”.
“He was just the best, so skilful, could do everything on the field, and was a gentleman and a really good person off the field,” he said.
Fellow club member Ben Wilkinson said the day was about honouring Robran’s legacy and “what he brought to football”.
“It’s fitting that we have a day today against Port Adelaide, to see this game against the rivalry as well,” he said.
A condolences book in the clubroom had been filled with heartfelt messages from members and supporters to sign.
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Originally published as Heartbroken fans to pay final respects to SA football hero Barrie Robran at North v Port SANFL match
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