AFL great Ron Barassi is today being memorialised at Melbourne's home of football on his birthday.
The Premier today announced Brunton Avenue, a key entry point to the MCG, will be renamed Barassi Way.
Barassi Way runs from Jolimont Street to Punt Road - alongside the iconic sporting precinct where Ron Barassi played 115 of his 254 VFL games for Melbourne and Carlton.
Barassi's legacy wasn't shaped just on the field - coaching across four clubs amassing more than 500 games, including four premierships.
Barassi's love for the game helped take it to new heights and played a pivotal role in growing Australian rules football nationally, beyond its traditional Victorian heartland to become the Australian Football League.
Inducted to the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1987, Barassi was elevated to Legend status in 2006.
Barassi was one of the 12 inaugural Legends of the Game inductees of the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
He was named Melburnian of the Year in 2006 and Victorian of the Year in 2009.
Crews will work to change road signage over the coming days to display Barassi Way, just in time for Round 1.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"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."
As stated by Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne
"We're honouring the legacy of Ron Barassi, who did so much for our great game and for Melbourne, by renaming this road as Barassi Way."
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"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."
As stated by AFL CEO Andrew Dillon
"Ron Barassi is a Legend of our game, widely regarded as one of the most important figures across the history of Australian football."
As stated by Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece
"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."
