Jump to content

  • IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

    Posting unsubstantiated rumours on this website is strictly forbidden.

    Demonland has made the difficult decision to not permit this platform to be used to discuss & debate the off-field issues relating to the Melbourne Football Club including matters currently being litigated between the Club & former Board members, board elections, the issue of illicit drugs in footy, the culture at the club & the personal issues & allegations against some of our players & officials ...

    We do not take these issues & this decision lightly & of course we believe that these serious matters affecting the club we love & are so passionate about are worthy of discussion & debate & I wish we could provide a place where these matters can be discussed in a civil & respectful manner.

    However these discussions unfortunately invariably devolve into areas that may be defamatory, libelous, spread unsubstantiated rumours & can effect the mental health of those involved. Even discussion & debate of known facts or media reports can lead to finger pointing, blame & personal attacks.

    The repercussion is that these discussions can open this website, it’s owners & it’s users to legal action & may result in this website being forced to shutdown.

    Our moderating team are all volunteers & cannot moderate the forum 24/7 & as a consequence problematic content that contravenes our rules & standards may go unnoticed for some time before it can be removed.

    We reserve the right to delete posts that offend against our above policy & indeed, to ban posters who are repeat offenders or who breach our code of conduct.

    WE HAVE BUILT A FANTASTIC ONLINE COMMUNITY AT DEMONLAND OVER THE PAST 23 YEARS & WE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS THE CLUB WE LOVE & ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT.

    Thank you for your continued support & understanding. Go Dees.


A salute to an Australian Icon - Ronald Dale Barassi



Recommended Posts

The story of Ron Barassi is extraordinary really. To become one of the games greatest players after being raised partially by his future coach following his dad passing away in the war is something you just wouldn't dream of. Norm & Ron went on to share 6 flags together, that's something that won't ever happen again. Times were changing when Ron left for Carlton & Ron probably did what he thought was best for himself as well as Norm at the time when he left. In hindsight Melbournes era of dominance would have ended even if Ron stayed. The money in the game shifted to other clubs and the MCC / MFC fell behind. I think Ron in a way is a visionary of the game & he probably thinks the game overall is bigger than the MFC. It is a shame that after the club gave Ron so much in his early life that he didn't stay his whole career with us but that's life. He's done a lot for the game & is a true legend.

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Melbourne became a mess. The red Fox knew it.. RDB sussed it..things changed

 

Sliding doors idea?  had not the committee [censored] up !!   who knows.  Smith and Barras are not to blame here

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ronald Dale was a wonderful, courageous and inspirational footballer. He invented ruck roving. He never gave up and he gave his absolute all in every game he played for the MFC. We haven't had anyone with the determination and endeavour that Barass had. For you young fellas disparaging his legacy, you have no idea what you are talking about as RDB is an icon of the MFC and one of the greatest characters to ever play Aussie Rules. 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have on many occasions in the past commented about Ronald Dale Barassi and am convinced that it's virtually impossible to convey to those who were never privileged to have seen him play, the influence he had on our sport. He is our game's Don Bradman, Mohammed Ali and Joe DiMaggio all rolled into one - the Steph Curry of our current  times if you like. 

He represented strength, courage, determination and the indomitable belief that as long as he was with us, we would always prevail. I don't agree with the comment that Melbourne's era of dominance would have ended even had he stayed. He was that influential a person and that farsighted in his approach that he would have seen to it that the club moved into the modern money era rather than to languish and pride itself as an amateur old school relic which it remained for the next decade or two after he left.
 
We never caught up to the others because we constantly sought our next messiah, someone in his image without recognising that there can never be another Ronald Dale Barassi. In his era, there were two others who stood strong and tall at other clubs - the late Ted Whitten and the great Murray Weideman (who incidentally was in attendance last night). You can't reproduce men of that calibre and you can't reproduce them today because the times have changed (and will continue to do so).
 
Barass will forever be etched in my mind - the iconic picture of a raging bull crashing through packs, taking strong marks and kicking the miracle match saving goals from 60 yards out (that's how we measured distances then).
 
For those younger Demon fans who still don't get it, imagine waking up on a Saturday morning like today and knowing that your team just can not be beaten no matter who they're playing. He raised us up.
 
That's how it felt when you had Ron Barassi on your side.
 
The two singers who performed last night, sang this song at the request of the Barassi family. Here's a version from Josh Groban that might help people understand what Ron meant to thousands of impressionable youngsters like me -
 

 
  • Like 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 hours ago, Ricky P said:

He only left cos he wanted to coach. 

Can't believe people not understanding his contribution to Melbourne. 

Correct and he would've stayed to coach Melbourne with Smiths blessing but he didn't want to seem as though he was forcing the Red Fox out before his time.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

11 minutes ago, Whispering_Jack said:

I have on many occasions in the past commented about Ronald Dale Barassi and am convinced that it's virtually impossible to convey to those who were never privileged to have seen him play, the influence he had on our sport. He is our game's Don Bradman, Mohammed Ali and Joe DiMaggio all rolled into one - the Steph Curry of our current  times if you like. 

Being born in 1982 I never got to see him play but I always imagined Michael Voss to be the closest approximation to RDB. Is there any other modern player you might compare him to?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

25 minutes ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

Being born in 1982 I never got to see him play but I always imagined Michael Voss to be the closest approximation to RDB. Is there any other modern player you might compare him to?

Voss probably played like Barassi but the back story with Norm Smith bringing him up after his dad died and his own coaching record set him apart . Jack Viney has many of his traits willing the team over the line but a long way to go to be thought of in the same way.

Barassi is a legend Mathews probably the closest to him 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


13 hours ago, Pennant St Dee said:

It must be said at the advice of his greatest mentor and our(the games) greatest Icon Norm.  Think we also underestimate the foundations he laid in the 80's for what followed under Swooper

It is the secrecy around this 'advice' and career move of Barassi's which galls so many old time melbourne supporters. footballers supporters on the other hand are unlikely to make a private pacts at half-time to start supporting the other side for the rest of the game. As Martin Flanagan says, we are all just chasing laundry.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Agree. Don't understand it either.

At least the club has given him the flick of presenting jumpers to first round draft picks or any other stupid romance act.. Eg Jack Grimes jumper change..

Heresy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

another thing. barras was largely credited as being the player who redefined the role of the ruck rover. previously the "ruck rover" was more like a  ruckman than a  rover, Of course now we just talk of a ruckman and midfielders which includes the followers and the whole centre line, but then it was much different. he really did change the game leading into the "modern" era. if anyone lived through the 50's and 60's they would know just how huge his influence and fame was

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Dr. Gonzo said:

Being born in 1982 I never got to see him play but I always imagined Michael Voss to be the closest approximation to RDB. Is there any other modern player you might compare him to?

As WJ wrote, blokes like RDB won't come again ... but we have a combination of youngsters like Jack Viney, Jesse Hogan, Clayton Oliver, Angus Brayshaw and, ahem ... Christian Petracca who together might revive that spirit at this club. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The story of him chasing down that thug is pretty Courageous for someone his age

Must have been one hell of a tough bastard back in his hey day!

Can someone please also upload the North Melbourne spray Get an absolute laugh out of that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Whispering_Jack said:

He represented strength, courage, determination and the indomitable belief that as long as he was with us, we would always prevail. I don't agree with the comment that Melbourne's era of dominance would have ended even had he stayed. He was that influential a person and that farsighted in his approach that he would have seen to it that the club moved into the modern money era rather than to languish and pride itself as an amateur old school relic which it remained for the next decade or two after he left.

 
 

I may be wrong, but as I understand it part of the reason Norm Smith had a falling out with those in charge at the club is that he was asking for change. If a 6 time premiership coach can not bring about change from those he is working for I don't know if anyone could have. That is part of the so called curse IMO that a lot of people talk of, that the MFC were not willing to listen to a club great & willing to sack an immortal of the game, someone who was irreplaceable. Something at the club in that time IMO had become septic.

The MCC had the advantage of the MCG being the home of football & as I understand it during our era of dominance we were also paying players more than other clubs were willing to or able to. During the time of 1961 - 1964 we won one flag, the MFC's dominance was waning. Whilst Ron is a man of incredible influence & a person many would have or would follow I don't know if he would have been capable of bringing the people who were running the club along with him. It's all hypothetical but from my perspective (which admittedly is a limited one as I wasn't there & I don't know any of the people in charge of the club at the time) the people in charge of the club were set in their ways & I don't think anything was going to change that. One of the biggest reasons that successes become failures is that they fail to or refuse to adapt to change.

It is interesting to learn from those who have other opinions or who know more from being there or involved in it. It would be great to hear what Ron does believe & think about all of this.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Every child who followed Melbourne in those times had No 31 on there jumper, me included.

He even had a segment in a footy show on tv at the time where  he showed kids how to hold the ball for different types of kicks.

Captain Courageous he was known as.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, Ricky P said:

He only left cos he wanted to coach. 

Can't believe people not understanding his contribution to Melbourne. 

Which is still continuing, with his voluntary work for the club.

Edited by Redleg
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, doc roet said:

Every child who followed Melbourne in those times had No 31 on there jumper, me included.

He even had a segment in a footy show on tv at the time where  he showed kids how to hold the ball for different types of kicks.

Captain Courageous he was known as.

Funny , I had 8

But I know many many had 31 :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 hours ago, dazzledavey36 said:

Agree. Don't understand it either.

At least the club has given him the flick of presenting jumpers to first round draft picks or any other stupid romance act.. Eg Jack Grimes jumper change..

Imagine that at the end of last season it has been Luke Hodge who left Hawthorn to coach Carlton rather than Brendan Bolton. Then in the next 5 or so years Carlton start winning premierships as Hawthorn wane. Would Hawthorn followers still have a lot of respect for Hodge? As others have said, Barassi is a unique person, and played in a different time, when there were lots of differences to today's players, but something like that scenario will give you some idea. Also don't forget that as things were going to hell for us in the late 60's and 70's, Barassi at Carlton and then North was one of the few tangible reminders of our successful times. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Evening great, unfortunately the showing of his football highlights ( courtesy of Channel 7) although good, didn't really to the man justice. Whispering describes him as a raging bull  and I reckon that is about right. Never seen the likes of his strength , toughness or courage since.

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fantastic function last night, some great speeches by Barry Bourke, Steven Smith, Richard Colless, Sam Kekovich and Tim Lane a good host.
Was a pleasure to be able to mingle with some of the greats of the 64 Flag, as well as the Very Reverend Neale Daniher, 90s players and a host of other luminaries.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, beelzebub said:

Funny , I had 8

But I know many many had 31 :)

Bob "Tassie" Johnson who wore #8 for over 200 games in that era passed away recently. He suffered ill health in his later life due to diabetes and he had to have a leg amputated. The MFC Past Players & Officials managed to help him get out of his one bedroom apartment into a place where he could comfortably have a bath. They have now formed the Ron Barassi Club to assist past players who suffer health and/or financial difficulties. I will put some details up on the site if anyone wants to donate.

It was sad hearing about Tassie's problems because like Barass, he always looked so big, strong and healthy as a player and as Barry Bourke pointed out every club that has 45 men on its list at any given time is going to have someone in need. 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, beelzebub said:

Funny , I had 8

But I know many many had 31 :)

Thanks Beelzebub,I was only 10 or 11 when all this was going on.

For the life of me I can't remember who was 8.Can you enlighten me please.

I remember -Roet 18,crompton 5,dixon 9,hassa 29,emselle 10,lord 4,vagg 32,kenneally22,davis 40.

Massey was 32 I think,who was friggen 8?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    OVER YET? by KC from Casey

    The Friday evening rush hour clash of two of the VFL’s 2024 minnows, Carlton and the Casey Demons was excruciatingly painful to watch, even if it was for the most part a close encounter. I suppose that since the game had to produce a result (a tie would have done the game some justice), the four points that went to Casey with the win, were fully justified because they went to the best team. In that respect, my opinion is based on the fact that the Blues were a lopsided combination that had

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles

    CENTIMETRES by Whispering Jack

    Our game is one where the result is often decided by centimetres; the touch of a fingernail, a split-second decision made by a player or official, the angle of vision or the random movement of an oblong ball in flight or in its bounce and trajectory. There is one habit that Melbourne seems to have developed of late in its games against Carlton which is that the Demons keep finding themselves on the wrong end of the stick in terms of the fine line in close games at times when centimetres mak

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Reports

    PREGAME: Rd 10 vs West Coast Eagles

    The Demons have a 10 day break before they head on the road to Perth to take on the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium on Sunday. Who comes in and who goes out?

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 223

    PODCAST: Rd 09 vs Carlton

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Sunday, 12th May @ 8:30pm. Join George, Binman & I as we analyse the Demons loss at the MCG against the Blues in the Round 09. You questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human. Listen & Chat LIVE:

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 29

    VOTES: Rd 09 vs Carlton

    Last week Captain Max Gawn consolidated his lead over reigning champion Christian Petracca in the Demonland Player of the Year Award. Steven May, Jake Lever, Jack Viney & Clayton Oliver make up the Top 5. Your votes for the loss against the Blues. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 39

    POSTGAME: Rd 09 vs Carlton

    The Demons were blown out of the water in the first quarter and clawed their way back into the contest but it was a case of too little too late as they lost another close one to Carlton losing by 1 point at the MCG.  

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 486

    GAMEDAY: Rd 09 vs Carlton

    It's Game Day and the Demons are once again headlining another blockbuster at the MCG to kick off the round of footy. The Dees take on the Blues and have the opportunity to win their third game on the trot to solidify a spot in the Top 4 in addition to handing the Blues their third consecutive defeat to bundle them out of the Top 8.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 959

    MELBOURNE BUSINESS by The Oracle

    In days of old, this week’s Thursday night AFL match up between the Demons and the Blues would be framed on the basis of the need to redress the fact that Carlton “stole” last year’s semi final away from Melbourne and with it, their hopes for the premiership.  A hot gospelling coach might point out to his charges that they were the better team on the night in all facets and that poor kicking for goal and a couple of lapses at the death cost them what was rightfully theirs. Moreover, now was

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Previews 1

    UNDER THE PUMP by KC from Casey

    The Casey Demons have been left languishing near the bottom of the VFL table after suffering a 32-point defeat at the hands of stand alone club Williamstown at Casey Fields on Sunday. The Demons suffered a major setback before the game even started when AFL listed players Ben Brown, Marty Hore and Josh Schache were withdrawn from the selected side. Only Schache was confirmed as an injury replacement, the other two held over as possible injury replacements for Melbourne’s Thursday night fixt

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...