There have been many tributes to the great Ron Barassi AM since his passing on September 16.
A legend, leader, respected coach, admired player and a man of the utmost integrity – those are just some of the ways he has been described by those who hold fond memories of the Australian Football icon.
We would like to add “predictor of the Swans future” to his incredible list of feats after discovering Barassi did just that – when he was coaching North Melbourne.
Almost 18 years before Barassi became Sydney’s senior coach he had suggested the Swans should move from South Melbourne to Sydney to revive the club and “contribute heavily to a breakthrough in the rugby stronghold.”
As published in Brian Hansen’s column in the Melbourne Truth on Saturday, November 29, 1975, Barassi suggested South Melbourne should play home games at the Sydney Cricket Ground and “could become the adopted team of Sydney and generate tremendous enthusiasm and interest in Australian Rules.”
At the time, Barassi’s suggestion may have seemed far-fetched. Indeed, the article acknowledged that South supporters may “shudder in horror” at the thought of their club moving north.
However, as we now know, the bold prediction indeed became reality – and while we continue to build for the future of our men’s and women’s teams in Sydney, the club retains deep connections with its South Melbourne heritage. Two cities, one team. And a club with so much respect and admiration for the man who foretold it would happen.
Memorial Service
Ron Barassi AM will be farewelled in a Victorian State Memorial Service on Friday, November 10, at 11am.
The service will be live streamed in the auditorium at Sydney Swans HQ - members and fans are welcome to attend.
The room will open at 10:30am with the live stream to commence at 11am.
