Concerns raised over Ron Barassi Medal name

FOR the first time in history, the 2024 AFL premiership captain will be awarded the Ron Barassi Medal, named in honour of one of the biggest figures in the sport, but not everyone is completely on board with the new medal. AFL CEO Andrew Dillon announced the medal in early September, set to be awarded alongside the Premiership Cup, Norm Smith Medal and Jock McHale Medal on the biggest day on the AFL calendar. Local psychologist and broadcaster Neil Barassi, cousin of the legendary Ron Barassi, believes if a grand final honour is to bear Ron’s name, it should be the Premiership Cup itself rather than a medal. “While I acknowledge the profound honour, I believe that, considering Ron's contributions and accomplishments, the suggestion of the Ron Barassi Premiership Cup might serve as an even more appropriate homage to one of the sport's legends,” he said. “In America, the NFL honours its legend with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and it seems fitting that the AFL Premiership Cup should similarly commemorate one of its greatest figures. “Awarding a medal to the winning premiership captain is a significant honour, but should the Premiership Cup ever bear a name, I believe Ron's name should be etched onto it. “This would honour not just his role as a premiership captain but also his contributions to the sport at large.” Barassi, an inaugural Legend of the Game when the Australian Football Hall of Fame was founded in 1996, was a part of 10 premiership sides – six as a player with Melbourne, two as a coach with Carlton and two as a coach with North Melbourne – the equal-most premierships with Norm Smith of any person in VFL/AFL history. However, Syd Coventry (Collingwood), Dick Reynolds (Essendon) and Michael Tuck (Hawthorn) are the most successful captains, with four VFL/AFL premierships each. While Ron Barassi was an incredible captain, skippering the Melbourne Football Club to two premierships in 1960 and ’64, Neil feels the impact the great man had on the game extends far beyond simply captaining a side. “When Ron returned to coach the Sydney Swans, after a game between Melbourne and Sydney, Ron expressed his commitment to ensuring the survival of the then-struggling Swans, stating that their demise would spell disaster for any serious national competition,” he said. “Ron's vision for the future saw the VFL evolve into the AFL, a transformation that is now part of history.” The 2024 AFL grand final will be played on Saturday, September 28, from 2.30pm.

Concerns raised over Ron Barassi Medal name

Heartbreaking end for 'Bushies

Fendyk runner up, Cartledge third in Barton medal count

Sandy Creek season

Win and you’re in

Aussie rules booming in North East

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories