AFL announce Ron Barassi Medal for winning premiership captains – but not everybody is happy about it

The AFL has announced the introduction of the Ron Barassi Medal, which will be presented to the Premiership-winning captain on Grand Final day, but not everyone is thrilled with the move.

Barassi was a towering figure in Australian rules football and was the first player to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame as a Legend after 253 senior VFL games, including 204 for Melbourne and 49 for Carlton.

Between playing and coaching, Barassi won 10 titles at Melbourne, Carlton and North Melbourne.

Now Barassi, who passed away 12 months ago aged 87, will be recognised on the biggest day in the AFL calendar.

“At the time of Ron’s passing, the AFL declared him to be the most important figure in the game in our living memory, both for his broad vision of the game and his achievements within the game,” AFL boss Andrew Dillon said.

“Barassi remains a talisman of success throughout his career and should be recognised for his enormous contribution to the game. He will now be celebrated and remembered forever every year on Grand Final Day, the biggest day in the AFL sporting calendar,” Dillon said.

“Ron Barassi’s name is synonymous with football. He became a phenomenon in our sport, revolutionising the game as a player and then achieving success in the Premier League as a manager.

‘Captaining a championship-winning team is one of the greatest honours in our game and the championship-winning captain will now be awarded the Ron Barassi Medal, a fitting tribute to a great of our game whose immense contribution and leadership will now forever be celebrated.’

However, some football fans criticised the move, insisting Barassi was a VFL icon and the football legend only has significance to Victorian clubs.

“Another award named after a Vic great,” posted an annoyed fan on X.

“A classic VFL move!” another replied.

“Dear @afl: Thank you so much for giving us something that no one wanted or asked for. Aka the wildcard round,” said a third.

“He’s a VFL great, not an AFL great. Just kidding,” posted another.

A fifth user posted: ‘What would be significant for non-Melbourne clubs winning the GF would be a medal from their own state. Port Adelaide – Russell Ebert – for example.

‘I have no complaints about the magnificent Ron Barassi, but as I am not a Melbourne fan, that means very little to me.

‘Remember, it’s the National League.’

Barassi’s family released a statement regarding Ron’s recognition.

“Ron was a very determined natural leader,” the family said.

“He was a player who changed the game. Honouring his memory with the Premier League captain’s medal is a perfect gesture.”

Barassi’s footballing career began in 1953 when he joined the Melbourne Football Club as a player. His exceptional skills, determination and leadership qualities contributed significantly to Melbourne’s success during the 1950s and 1960s, winning six titles, two of them as captain.

In his transition to coaching, Barassi’s innovative methods and strategic insight transformed the game. He won top-flight titles as a player and coach with Carlton Football Club in 1968 and 1970, proving his prowess in both roles.

At North Melbourne, Barassi’s coaching brilliance reached its peak, leading the team to championship titles in 1975 and 1977. His ability to transform underperforming teams into champions cemented his reputation as a coaching genius.

Beyond his sporting achievements, Barassi was known for his philanthropic work and his commitment to the community, reflecting his character and leaving a positive impact on society.