Meeting Barassi

Congratulations Melbourne

The siren has sounded in Perth (of all places – thanks Covid-19) and the 2021 Premier of the Australian (Rules) Football league is Melbourne – the Demons.

In a game that saw the lead change many times, Melbourne was finally victorious against the Western Bulldogs. It was their first premiership in 57 years.

The Great Ron Barassi

It was an especially bittersweet triumph for veteran Australia Rule’s player and coach, Ron Barassi, now 86 years old, as the last time Melbourne won, he was playing for the side.  It was 1964. His father, Ron senior had also played in the 1940s Melbourne premiership side but it was his son who was destined to become the undisputed face of Australian Rules.

Barassi is a name that dominated VFL (Victorian Football League –  before it expanded and became national.) from when he started his career in the 1950s and well into the 1980s. For those decades and beyond, his name was synonymous with Australian Rules where he coached for many years following his playing career.

There was an imaginary line on the map of eastern Australia – beneath it was where Australian Rules was played, above it the game of choice was Rugby League.  It was called ‘the Barassi Line.’ Barassi was the most recognisable face of Australian Rules for so many years and arguably still is.

Me and Barassi.

I don’t think I was the only one seriously enamoured with Barassi, there would have been a few of us. He was handsome, strong and charismatic and more than worthy of the stars in my eyes.

So, when the then object of my affection, (that we shall call Michael – because that’s his name), suggested we meet in Melbourne City (where he worked) and trot along to the opening night of Barassi’s new pub in the inner-city suburb of Richmond, (a pub now forever known as ‘Barassi’s even long after he sold it), I was up for it.

We weren’t the first people there. It was packed – and as we edged towards a space to put down our drinks, in another corner, there sat Barassi, holding court.

“I wish I could meet him,” I said, to no one in particular – but Michael had heard.

“Do you want to meet him,” he asked? 
“Yes!” I replied.
‘Come with me,” said Michael as he took my hand and led me in Barassi’s direction.
“Do you know him,” I asked?
Michael didn’t reply but kept dragging me through the crowds.

He was determined – and we pushed past all and sundry to arrive at our destination.

“Good day Ron, Michael Keating,” he said  introducing himself as if to refresh Barassi’s memory.
“Are you related to Paul?” Barassi asked, to which they both laughed at the very thought. Michael went on: 
“Ron Barassi, I’d like to introduce you to Susan *****.”

Ron Barassi was gracious and charming, and we spoke for a good 15 minutes, a long time given that many were vying for his attention and that Michael had excused himself and was drinking alone.

When I finally refound Michael, I exclaimed:

“Oh wow – I didn’t know you knew Barassi.”
“I don’t he said.”

That was just Michael, I wanted it, he made it happen.

Michael is no longer with us, but Barassi is, I’m so pleased that he lived to see this win (but I’ll always miss Michael and no, he wasn’t related to Paul.)