The death of AFL legend Ron Barassi has renewed calls for the premiership cup to be named after him.
Barassi’s passing was confirmed by his family on Saturday after complications of a fall.
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Leading the calls to honour the 87-year-old known as “Mr Football” is former premiership coach of Collingwood, Mick Malthouse.
“I would like to think that we never forget the name of Barassi in football,” he told Nine’s TODAY.
“We know he’s an icon. He’s done so much for the game. I think if you looked up the dictionary and looked up AFL, we are going to see his photograph there always. We are always going to be reminded.
“The Barassi name has to be used exclusively for a football event or football trophy or football something that just remembers the greatness of the man.”
Former Kangaroo Sam Kekovich said on Nine’s AFL Sunday Footy Show it was a “no-brainer” to honour his late coach.
“I reckon you could rename the country after Barassi,” he said.
“He was a behemoth of a man, and he was someone I was completely privileged and honoured to be coached by.
“We’re going to miss the man, but through the passage of time his legacy is ensured.”
Ron Barassi’s Honour Roll
Player:
Games: 254 (Melbourne 204, Carlton 50)
Goals: 330 (Melbourne 285, Carlton 35)
Melbourne best and fairest: 1961, 1964
Melbourne leading goalkicker: 1958 (equal), 1959
Melbourne captain: 1960 to 1964
Melbourne premierships: 1955, 1956, 1957, 1959, 1960, 1964
Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee (Legend): 1996
AFL Team of the Century
Melbourne Team of the Century (captain)
All-Australian 1956, 1958, 1961 (captain)
Coach:
Carlton: 1965 to 1971 (147 games), premierships 1968, 1970
North Melbourne: 1973 to 1980 (198 games), premierships 1975, 1977
Melbourne: 1981 to 1985 (111 games)
Sydney: 1993 to 1995 (59 games)