MCG-bordering Melbourne road Brunton Avenue to be named after Ron Barassi
The AFL legend is being immortalised with the re-naming of one of the city’s busiest streets.
One of Melbourne’s most prominent roads is being renamed in honour of AFL icon Ron Barassi.
Brunton Avenue, which borders the south side of the MCG, is being unveiled on Friday as Barassi Way in the latest tribute to football’s most decorated figure.
Barassi Way runs between Jolimont Street in the heart of East Melbourne to Punt Road, which borders Richmond and Cremorne, flanking the iconic sporting precinct at which Barassi played 115 of his 254 VFL games for Melbourne and Carlton.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Barassi also coached 515 games across four clubs at the highest level, winning 10 premierships as a player and coach, and was one of the 12 inaugural Legends elevated from Australian football Hall of Fame in 1996.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said it’s a fitting honour for arguably the most influential figure in the history of Australian football.
“Ron Barassi was an icon of Victoria and Australian Rules Football, so it’s only fitting to have his name memorialised next to the home of football,” she said.
Minister for sport Steve Dimopoulos added: “Barassi Way will make sure generations to come will remember Ron Barassi’s name and the huge legacy that he has left on football and Melbourne.”
Brunton Avenue was originally named after Sir William Brunton, who served on city council for 25 years, including a period as Lord Mayor between 1923-1926.
Current Lord Mayor Nick Reece said: “As one of the foundational figures of Australian Rules football, a coach who revolutionised the game and a man who consistently stood up for social justice and unity, the story of Ron Barassi speaks directly to who we are today and who we aspire to be. The renaming of this street beside the MCG is a fitting tribute to his legacy.”
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon added: “Ron Barassi is a Legend of our game, widely regarded as one of the most important figures across the history of Australian football.”
Barassi passed away in September 2023 at age 87.
Friday, the day his road is being unveiled, would have been his 90th birthday.
Barassi received a state funeral at the MCG after his passing.
He was also honoured by the AFL with the initiation of the Ron Barassi Medal, awarded to each year’s premiership captain or captains.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
