The AFL Premiership Players Club is mourning the loss of club stalwart and Life Member Barry Davis at the age of 80 on Wednesday. Barry had the rare distinction of being selected in both the Essendon and North Melbourne 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
Barry 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. His distinguished football accomplishments are as follows:
218 games for Essendon, 1961-72, 65 goals
71 games for North Melbourne, 1973-75, 54 goals
11 games for Victoria, three goals
1962, 1965, 1975 premierships
1968, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975 Best and Fairest
Essendon Team of the Century
North Melbourne of the Team Century
Essendon captain 1970-71
Essendon Senior Coach 1978-1980
North Melbourne captain 1973-75
Australian Football Hall of Fam
Barry was an inaugural committee member of the AFL Premiership Players Club when the club was formed in 2000. He played an active role in club events up until recent times and was a Life Member of the club. The committee and club members have fond memories of Barry’s friendliness, charisma and charm at the many functions the club has run over the years. Barry was both a champion player and a champion person. He will be sorely missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him.
The President of the AFL Premiership Players Club John Birt, the committee and club members would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Barry’s wife, Annette, and to his family and friends at this very sad time. Funeral arrangements are not yet available.