SA football legend Barrie Robran dies, aged 77
An emotional Bruce McAvaney has lauded late, legendary South Australian footballer Barrie Robran, saying he’s the best player he ever saw, and had the most endearing humility.
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Bruce McAvaney has lauded Barrie Robran as a “colossus of South Australian football” who will be forever remembered as a champion on and off the field.
The legendary broadcaster said his impact on the sport in this state was unrivalled yet Robran always remained a “humble, country boy” at heart.
“I don’t think South Australia has produced anyone who is more significant in terms of football,” an emotional McAvaney said from overseas.
“I don’t think he ever realised or understood the effect that he had on our state and just the adulation that so many people had for him.
“He’s SA football’s great champion and I say that with no disrespect to anyone else. He’s Bradman-esque in terms of football. I haven’t seen a better player from our state.”
McAvaney said he still vividly remembered attending Robran’s SANFL league debut for the Roosters against Sturt in 1967.
“I was there at Unley Oval … Sturt was the best team in the competition and Barrie had this extraordinary first game where he dominated and was the best player on the ground,” he said.
“It was like a star was born. From that moment on the whole state was enthralled by him.”
Robran shone alongside Port Adelaide great Russell Ebert during a golden era for SA football.
“I was born in 1953 and there were lots of legends around that time, people like Lindsay Head and other that were wonderful players, but I feel like Barrie was the colossus of SA football,” McAvaney said.
“Barrie could play anywhere from full forward to full back. He had the mobility but was a ruckman and he could do anything.”
Away from the football field, Robran was a beloved figure whom McAvaney described as “Mr Modesty”.
“Anyone that met him would have been touched by his humility and grace, and just the fact that you can be so darn good and yet so humble in a way that’s very endearing,” he said.
“I feel like we’ve lost a very great South Australian. He’ll be missed.”
Passing of a legend
Arguably South Australia’s greatest footballer, Barrie Robran died at age 77.
The champion North Adelaide utility, who has a statue at Adelaide Oval in his honour, is a triple Magarey Medallist and Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend – the first South Australian to be awarded the honour.
Robran played 201 games and kicked 194 goals for the Roosters from 1967-80 and was a member of its 1971-72 premiership teams.
He also, famously, starred in North’s Champions of Australia winning team in 1972.
Robran, who is the uncle of radio presenter Jade Robran, played 17 state matches for South Australia and was described by another SA football legend, Port Adelaide’s Russell Ebert, as “definitely the best player I have ever seen or played against’’.
SANFL chief executive Darren Chandler said the passing of Robran was “a tragic day for South Australian football”.
“Barrie (was) a legend,” Mr Chandler said. “His statue epitomises how he played the game.
“Spectacular player. Very understated, most humble man you’d ever meet but a true legend of our game.
“The first South Australian to be elevated to legend status in the Australian Football Hall of Fame, seven Best and Fairests with the North Adelaide Football Club, 17 state games for South Australia, he captained the state as well, (and) three Magarey Medals.”
Mr Chandler also extended his “deepest sympathies to the Robran family” and those who knew him.
Meanwhile, others have paid the respect by laying flowers besides Mr Robran’s statue besides Adelaide Oval, including Chris Engelhardt.
Mr Engelhardt said he felt “really sad” after hearing about Robran’s death this morning.
“He’s certainly had an impact over the generations,” he said. “I know my parents, uncles, and grandparents grew up watching him play.
“Obviously, with his passing, he still leaves an everlasting legacy in the state when it comes footy in particular.”
The Advertiser also sighted a North Adelaide footy scarf wrapped around Robran’s statue, which was left by the footy player’s family member.
Aspiring junior country footballer Alby, 11, said Robran’s loss was a “big one” for the state.
“We went past and I made sure to mark my respect for a legend, because he was such a good player,” Alby said after visiting Robran’s statue at Adelaide Oval.
“I aspire to be like him one day, get lots of marks and lots of speccys, that would be good.”
Roosters remember revered son
The North Adelaide Football Club released a statement on Wednesday morning, paying tribute to Robran as the “most revered son of our beloved Roosters”.
“Barrie was, without doubt, in our view the greatest ever to play the game of Australian Rules Football,” the statement said.
“His unparalleled skill, quiet humility, and unwavering dedication left an indelible mark on our club and the broader community.”
North Adelaide Football Club President, Kris Mooney, said Robran was “more than just a footballer”.
“He was the embodiment of everything North Adelaide stands for – excellence, humility, and unwavering loyalty,” he said.
“His legacy will forever inspire us, and his quiet grace touched everyone he met. We are incredibly proud to call him one of our own.”
SA Football Commission chairman Rob Kerin described Robran as a “true Legend in South Australian footy, and a true gentleman”.
“Barrie was a champion of our game and has left an indelible mark on football in South Australia through his on-field brilliance,” he said.
“Barrie was highly respected by everyone who came to know him, as well as the broader football community who had the opportunity to see him play,” he said.
Crows honour Robran’s lasting legacy
The Adelaide Football Club extended its deepest sympathies to Robran’s family, as Crows chairman John Olsen remembered Robran as a “humble champion”.
“Barrie’s contribution to our game was immense and more importantly, the manner in which he carried himself as a person both on and off the field leaves a lasting legacy,” Olsen said.
“The collective thoughts of everyone at our Club are with Barrie’s family and friends.”
Robran’s son Matthew is also a two-time Crows premiership player and Life Member.
Port salutes Robran’s grace and brilliance
The Port Adelaide Football Club said they always held the “utmost respect” for Robran as an opposition player and coach.
“He was one of the best, and fairest, to ever play the game,” the club said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“Barrie’s grace and sheer brilliance on field was only surpassed by the way he carried himself off field.”
Port icon John Cahill said Robran was an exceptional footballer and human being.
“As South Australians, we’ve been fortunate to see two absolute champions of our game in Barrie Robran and Russell Ebert. When I think of Barrie, I think of Russell,” he said.
“They were humble, talented and most of all, just wonderful people.
“My sincere condolences to the Robran family and the extended football community.”
Another Port legend, master coach Fos Williams, once said of Robran: “Rarely, if ever, has SA seen the brilliance in football of Barrie Robran.
“But when you couple his brilliance and fairness with his discipline, creativeness and team sense you see the totality of the problem through the eyes of an opposition coach.
“Put Barrie in any side and it immediately becomes a major round contender as his ability to create openings raises many teammates to a new level.’’
The state government is expected to reach out to the Robran family to discuss the option of a state funeral.
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