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 awarded to the captain who wins the Premiership on Grand Final day. However, not everyone is enthusiastic about the change.

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

Barassi won ten championships as a player and coach with Melbourne, Carlton and North Melbourne.

Now Barassi, who died 12 months ago at the age of 87, will be honoured on the most important day in the AFL calendar.

“When Ron passed away, the AFL stated that he was the most important figure in the sport that we have ever known, because of his broad vision of the sport and his achievements within the sport,” AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon said.

“It remains the case that Barassi was a talisman for success throughout his career and should be recognised for his immense contribution to the sport. He will now forever be celebrated and remembered each 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 building the success of the Premier League as a coach.

‘To captain a championship-winning team is one of the highest honours in our sport. The championship-winning captain will now receive the Ron Barassi Medal: a fitting tribute to a great man in our sport, whose immense contribution and leadership will now be celebrated forever.’

Ron Barassi (pictured) was a major figure in Australian football and was the first player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a legend

However, some football fans have fiercely criticised the move, arguing that Barassi was a VFL icon and that the football legend only has significance for Victorian clubs.

“Another award named after a great Vic,” posted one irritated fan on X.

“A classic VFL move!” replied another.

“Dear @afl – thank you for giving us something else that no one wanted or asked for. Also known as a 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 meaningful for clubs outside of Melbourne winning the GF would be a medal from their own state. Port Adelaide-Russell Ebert- for example.

‘I don’t want to discredit the great Ron Barassi, but as a non-Melbourne supporter it means little to me.

“Remember, it’s the national competition.”

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

“Ron was a natural leader with great perseverance,” the family said.

‘(He was) a game-changer. To honour his memory with the premiership captain’s medal is a perfect match.’

Barassi’s football journey began in 1953 when he joined the Melbourne Football Club as a player. His exceptional skill, determination and leadership qualities contributed significantly to Melbourne’s success in the 1950s and 1960s, winning the Premier League six times, twice as captain.

Barassi transformed from a prodigy on the pitch to a Premier League-winning coach in a career that spanned four decades

Barassi’s innovative methods and strategic insights changed the game when he moved into coaching, achieving Premier League victories as a player and as a coach with Carlton Football Club in 1968 and 1970, demonstrating his ability in both.

At North Melbourne, Barassi’s coaching brilliance reached a 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.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Barassi was known for his philanthropic work and social commitment, which demonstrated his character and left a positive impact on society.