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Vale: Ron Baggott- A true champion of the Melbourne Football Club



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Ron Baggott passed away on 26 April 2013 at age 96 years.

His career was ended at the age of just 25 by the war yet his career achievements are remarkable and have him up with the greats of this club.

133 games.

308 goals.

1939, 1940, 1941 premierships

1940 best and fairest

Victorian representative

Hall of Fame member

One of the 150 Heroes

Devoted Demon, father, grandfather and great grandfather who saw out one last Anzac Day.

From the club website:

A contemporary and great friend of Norm Smith, Ron Baggott came from a wonderful footballing family, with brother Jack a star at Richmond who went on to take his place in coaching ranks.

With his talent spotted at an early age, Baggott played in Melbournes Seconds premiership in 1934, and it was not long before his speed, accuracy and marking ability was noted. He was soon elevated to the senior side, making his debut in Round 12, 1935.

Baggott quickly became a vital ingredient in the Checker Hughes coached line ups of the late 1930s and early 1940s. Described by Checker as one of those loosely put together players who was always hard to beat, Baggott was ever reliable on the run, and an integral member of the 1939, 1940 and 1941 premiership sides. Best and Fairest in 1940, he also represented Victoria in 1939.

Continuing his good form in 1941, Baggott became one of many players to have his career interrupted by wartime service, enlisting with the RAAF in 1942. He returned to the side in 1945, and despite ongoing service commitments and health problems, was able to add steadiness and experience to a young side throughout a nearly full season. This was Baggotts last foray in red and blue, taking him to 133 games and 308 goals for his career, with his goals tally seeing him at tenth place in the Clubs records to this day. He was made a Life Member of the Club in 1946.

Going on to captain-coach VFA side Brunswick, Baggott again joined forces with Norm Smith as assistant coach from 1958 to 1961, and as Reserves coach from 1959 to 1961. He was also involved in radio, and worked with the railways.

Inducted into Melbournes Hall of Fame in 2003, Baggott was recognised as a Hero of the Club in 2008. He will always be a treasured figure in the Clubs story, and we offer our most sincere condolences to his son Ian and daughter Joan, along with all his family and friends, upon his passing.

Information regarding Ron Baggotts funeral will be provided on the Club website when available.

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Wonderful Demon. Like many others his career stalled for three years due to the war.

R.I.P.

Ron Baggott passed away on 26 April 2013 at age 96 years.
His career was ended at the age of just 25 by the war yet his career achievements are remarkable and have him up with the greats of this club.
133 games.
308 goals.
1939, 1940, 1941 premierships
1940 best and fairest
Victorian representative
Hall of Fame member
One of the 150 Heroes

Devoted Demon, father, grandfather and great grandfather who saw out one last Anzac Day.

From the club website:

A contemporary and great friend of Norm Smith, Ron Baggott came from a wonderful footballing family, with brother Jack a star at Richmond who went on to take his place in coaching ranks.

With his talent spotted at an early age, Baggott played in Melbournes Seconds premiership in 1934, and it was not long before his speed, accuracy and marking ability was noted. He was soon elevated to the senior side, making his debut in Round 12, 1935.

Baggott quickly became a vital ingredient in the Checker Hughes coached line ups of the late 1930s and early 1940s. Described by Checker as one of those loosely put together players who was always hard to beat, Baggott was ever reliable on the run, and an integral member of the 1939, 1940 and 1941 premiership sides. Best and Fairest in 1940, he also represented Victoria in 1939.

Continuing his good form in 1941, Baggott became one of many players to have his career interrupted by wartime service, enlisting with the RAAF in 1942. He returned to the side in 1945, and despite ongoing service commitments and health problems, was able to add steadiness and experience to a young side throughout a nearly full season. This was Baggotts last foray in red and blue, taking him to 133 games and 308 goals for his career, with his goals tally seeing him at tenth place in the Clubs records to this day. He was made a Life Member of the Club in 1946.

Going on to captain-coach VFA side Brunswick, Baggott again joined forces with Norm Smith as assistant coach from 1958 to 1961, and as Reserves coach from 1959 to 1961. He was also involved in radio, and worked with the railways.

Inducted into Melbournes Hall of Fame in 2003, Baggott was recognised as a Hero of the Club in 2008. He will always be a treasured figure in the Clubs story, and we offer our most sincere condolences to his son Ian and daughter Joan, along with all his family and friends, upon his passing.

Information regarding Ron Baggotts funeral will be provided on the Club website when available.

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Ron is one of the many 'greats' who played for the Melbourne Football Club back then. I never saw him play, but his record speaks for itself.

RIP Ron.

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My wife looked after him a few weeks ago, i had the pleasure of meeting him and his son. we chatted about the past, he played alongside my wifes grandfather, Eric "Tarzan" Glass, his son had some great stories to tell. he was a bit confused at the end but could remember every one of his team mates from his days with the dees. Pleasure to meet him and his son.

RIP

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