It is with deep sadness that the AFL Premiership Players Club was a short time ago alerted to the passing of the club’s patron, Mr Ronald Dale Barassi Jnr. AM at the age of 87 years.
Ron was a towering figure in Aussie Rules football and was the first player inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame as a Legend after 253 senior VFL games, including 204 for Melbourne and 49 for Carlton. Ron claimed 10 VFL premierships at Melbourne, Carlton and North Melbourne as a player and coach. Ron was the club patron since its formation in 2000. His contribution to Australian Rules football and to the Victorian community cannot be understated. Committee and club members will have fond memories of Ron’s friendliness, charisma and charm at the many functions the club has run over the years. He was a generous supporter of the club and although he has now walked up the race for the final time, Ron will be sorely missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him. Funeral arrangements are not yet available.
The President of the AFL Premiership Players Club John Birt, the committee and club members would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Ron’s wife, Cherryl, and to his family and friends at this very sad time.