Ron Barassi: From Junior Legatee to Football Legend
February 27, 2026
On this day in 1936, one of the most iconic Melbourne Legacy patrons and a true football legend, Ron Barassi, was born.
Ron came into Legacy’s care at age five when his father Ronald James Barassi was killed in action at Tobruk in 1941.
Legacy supported Ron and his mother Elza with education and health expenses, and ensured he could attend youth camps and take part in recreational activities as a Junior Legatee.
Ron’s father was the first VFL footballer killed in World War II and the father-son rule was established specifically to allow Ron to follow in his father’s footsteps and play for the Melbourne Football club.
As a player and coach, Ron was involved in 17 grand finals and celebrated 10 premierships across four clubs, cementing his place as one of the most respected figures the game has ever known.
Ron was forever grateful for Legacy’s support to him and his mother Elza. He devoted himself to championing the organisation’s work as an ambassador and active fundraiser. He was a regular presence during Legacy Week, always ready to lend his energy and influence to the cause.
“It made a world of difference to me growing up and I’m happy to help raise awareness of the great work they do” Ron once reflected.
By the 1950s, Ron had become a household name for his football prowess. Despite his growing popularity and demanding lifestyle, Ron remained closely connected to Legacy, attending Junior Legatee classes and basketball games.
Ron playing basketball with JLs in the mid 1950s.
In 1989, as part of Legacy Week, Ron abseiled down the Gas and Fuel buildings (now the site of Federation Square) in a “Legacy versus radio personalities” challenge. Joined by staff member Carol Shaw and Legatee Peter Heeney, the event generated tremendous publicity, with media figures and supporters rallying behind the cause. He also took part in a City Square tug-of-war event alongside the renowned Weary Dunlop.
Never one to shy away from bold gestures for a good cause, Ron completed a parachute jump in 1997 with Darryl Somers to raise awareness for Melbourne Legacy. Then in 2003, when celebrating 50 years in football, he nominated Legacy as the beneficiary of his Tribute Dinner, securing extensive television, radio and newspaper coverage for the organisation.
Ron, Carol, and Peter preparing to abseil down the Gas and Fuel buildings in 1989.
When Ron passed away at the age of 87 in 2023, his family requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Legacy so it could continue supporting veterans’ families, a fitting tribute to a man who remained the ultimate team player to the very end.
Ron at the launch of Legacy Week in 2016.
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