Ebook: Barassi: the biography

Barassi is Australian Football's first born son, the boy who became its prophet and its messiah. This is a deeply personal portrait of the legend.

His is a biblical tale, appropriate for a game that's a religion.

Ron Barassi is modern football's first born son and saviour. His father wore the No. 31 then was tragically killed in the Second World War months after playing in a premiership. Ron Barassi junior was raised in the Australian bush before moving back to Melbourne with his devoted mother. Later the boy was taken under the wing of legendary coach Norm Smith. He slept in a sleep-out at the back of Smith's home as together they conspired to take football to another level.

Smith turned Barassi into the definitive - some argue first - ruck rover. The pair won six premierships in a golden era for the Demons. Barassi's break with Smith, and Melbourne, shocked the football world. It was the 'death of loyalty', an unconscionable betrayal, but at Carlton and later North...