A prominent Melbourne street, synonymous with the heartland of Australian Rules Football, is set to be officially renamed in honour of a true legend of the game, Ron Barassi. Brunton Avenue, a significant thoroughfare that runs parallel to the southern boundary of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), will be transformed into Barassi Way.
This fitting tribute coincides with what would have been Barassi’s 90th birthday, a poignant recognition of his unparalleled impact on Australian football. His illustrious career, encompassing both playing and coaching, spanned over an astonishing 750 games at the elite level, cementing his status as one of the sport’s most influential figures. The new road signage will be in place by the commencement of the AFL’s opening round next Thursday.
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon expressed the sport’s deep respect for Barassi, stating, “Ron Barassi is a legend of our game, widely regarded as one of the most important figures across the history of Australian football.”
Barassi’s playing career saw him don the guernsey for Melbourne and Carlton at the MCG for 115 of his 254 VFL games. His influence extended far beyond his playing days, as he went on to coach Melbourne, Carlton, North Melbourne, and the Sydney Swans, accumulating an impressive 515 coaching games.
His contributions have been recognised through numerous accolades. He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1996 and elevated to “Legend” status in 2006. The AFL Hall of Fame also welcomed him in 1996 as one of its 12 inaugural legends, joining fellow greats such as Ted Whitten, Roy Cazaly, and Leigh Matthews. Many consider Barassi to be the most significant post-war figure in shaping the modern game of Australian football.
Bill Guest, a former vice-president of the Melbourne Football Club, voiced his strong support for the renaming, telling radio station 3AW that Barassi is a most deserving recipient of such an honour. “I think they’ve got to modernise things like Brunton Avenue… we’ve got to live in the modern world and recognise one of Melbourne’s champions,” Guest commented.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who made the announcement, highlighted Barassi’s iconic status. “Ron Barassi was an icon of Victoria and Australian rules football, so it’s only fitting to have his name memorialised next to the home of football,” she said.
Ron Barassi jnr, one of the legend’s three children, offered a personal perspective on the significance of “Barassi Way.” He suggested that the name aptly reflects his father’s life philosophy, characterised by focus, courage, honesty, and a willingness to fully commit to any endeavour, irrespective of personal cost.
“I think he loved the MCG so deeply because it was a place where he experienced so many of his life’s greatest truths,” he shared. “Dad was a natural leader. He would lead by example and had an uncanny ability to sense exactly what we needed. So when you drive the Barassi Way… you never know, some [of Ron’s character] may rub off. It’s up to you.”
Ron Barassi passed away on September 16, 2023, at the age of 87, following complications from a fall.
Brunton Avenue was originally named after Sir William Brunton, who served as Melbourne’s lord mayor from 1923 to 1926 and was a member of the city council for 25 years.
Key Figures and Contributions:
Ron Barassi: A towering figure in Australian Rules Football.
- Played 254 VFL games, including 115 at the MCG for Melbourne and Carlton.
- Coached 515 games for Melbourne, Carlton, North Melbourne, and Sydney Swans.
- Inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame (1996) and AFL Hall of Fame (1996) as an inaugural Legend.
- Considered a pivotal post-war influence on the modern game.
Sir William Brunton: The former namesake of Brunton Avenue.
- Lord Mayor of Melbourne (1923-1926).
- Long-serving member of the Melbourne City Council (25 years).
The renaming of Brunton Avenue to Barassi Way is a profound acknowledgement of a sporting icon and a testament to his enduring legacy within the Australian sporting landscape, particularly in the heart of Melbourne’s AFL territory.
