Ron Barassi, an Australian national sporting icon and one of the most important figures in Australian Rules history, has died aged 87.
Barassi’s family confirmed the decorated former player and coach’s death on Saturday.
“After a full and extraordinary life, Ronald Dale Barassi, aged 87, left us today due to complications from a fall,” the statement said.
the AFL honoured Barassi with a tribute video before the Carlton-Melbourne semi-final – two clubs where he is a towering figure in their histories.
The first player to be inaugurated into the Australian Football Hall of Fame as a Legend, Barassi played 253 senior VFL games in his career, including 204 for Melbourne and 49 for Carlton.
Between playing and coaching, Barassi claimed 10 premierships at Melbourne, Carlton and North Melbourne.
Only fellow Demons great Norm Smith, who coached Barassi, has as many flags in his Australian Rules playing and coaching career.