The Award recognises the important contribution that living Australians in a particular field have made to our nation’s character and identity. This year the Award recognises legends of Australian football across four codes - Australian rules, rugby union, rugby league and soccer. From each code, Australia Post has selected an ‘All time Legend’ - Barassi, David Campese, John Raper and Joe Marston; and a current ‘Playing Legend’ - Gary Ablett Jnr, David Pocock, Billy Slater, and Mark Schwarzer. The eight greats have been immortalised on the Australia Day stamp series for 2012 as well as receiving a 24 carat gold replica of their stamp.
Other recipients of the Legends Award since Sir Donald Bradman was first recognised in 1997 include the likes of Slim Dusty, Peter Carey, Nicole Kidman, Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, Arthur Boyd and Bart Cummings, paying tribute to Australia’s rich and diverse cultural landscape, as well as its plethora of great characters. It’s a roll call that makes Barassi grin as he considers the company in which he finds himself. ‘I’m very lucky, and very honoured. It’s not something that happens every day, and when these tributes come your way, you appreciate them very much. I’ve had some wonderful experiences, and met some fantastic people in my lifetime.’
It has certainly been a long and winding road for Barassi, his stamp issue harking back to the famous ‘flying shot’ of 1962. His image is carved large on the game in which he played a huge part. By the age of 41, Ron Barassi had ten premierships to his name at three clubs in assorted roles as player, captain and coach - six with Melbourne, two with Carlton, [and] two with North Melbourne. At age 75, his presence and opinions are still sought after in today’s game, and beyond. Barassi is part of the fabric of Melbourne, Victoria and Australian. From walking on water as a torchbearer at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, to being awarded an AM in 1978 for his ‘service to the sport of Australian Rules Football’, and now to his inclusion on this very special stamp issue, we celebrate with and congratulate Ron Barassi - on Australia Day and all year round.
