FOOTBALL legend and cycling enthusiast Ron Barassi is recovering at home after cracking three ribs in a bike fall.

3AW reports that Barassi "was cycling on the bike track, alongside Beach Rd at Brighton, when he flipped over his handlebars".

An ambulance rushed him to hospital and he spent Monday night recovering at home.

Barassi, who turns 76 next month, said it was his fault.

But he told 3AW talkback host Neil Mitchell that it would not stop him from cycling in the future.

Barassi is a cycling fan and has been on the past three Footy Greats Bike Ride which raise money for St Mary's House of Welcome.

He is one of the most revered figures in the AFL and played in six premierships during Melbourne's golden era from 1955 to 1964. He captained the Demons from 1960 to the end of 1964 before controversially defecting to Carlton.

He coached the Blues to two premierships in 1968 and 1970, then steered North Melbourne to its first premiership in 1975 and another in 1977.

He is often given credit for the greatest comeback in Grand Final history (and thus the birth of the modern game), inspiring Carlton to a remarkable win over Collingwood in 1970, despite trailing by 44 points at half-time.

He became a Legend of the AFL Hall of Fame in 1996.

He is expected to make a full recovery.