Ron Barassi is a legend in Australian Rules football.

No player / coach has a greater profile. No one has done more to change the game. No person has done more to promote the game.

Ron Barassi played 254 games kicking 330 goals. He coached 515 matches. In that time he was part of six premierships as a player and four more as a coach.

The father /son rule was created to enable Ron Barassi to play for the Melbourne FC.

He as the first player to play the position of ruck rover.

He pioneered the modern game with pace and handball, famously winning the 1970 grand final as a consequence.

But it is the personal story that is fascinating. Losing his father in the war. Mentored by the great Norm Smith, Establishing himself as a footballer in a great Melbourne side and his career as a coach. He was hard and a tough task master, but those who could survive under his style of leadership thrived and loved the man.

Post his career he was much loved for his passion for the game and knowledge.

Ron passed away in 2023 aged 87 years.

He has a bronze statue at the MCG. That says it all.

To know more of Ron, there is his book Barassi ; The biography.

But in today's episode, this is a summary only of some aspects of Ron's football life.

Until next time. Thank you ball boys, thank you Hawk Eye.

DA