The AFL is set to honor the late great Ron Barassi with a new medal to be presented to the premiership captain on Grand Final Day. Barassi - unfortunately passed away during the 2023 finals series at age 87 - has become synonymous with Australian Rules Football across his influential journey that has spanned over 60 years. According to the Herald Sun, the league has been looking for a way to pay homage to the former Melbourne and Carlton player, working alongside the family to bring a proposal to life. If approved by the AFL commission, the award, which features a prototype medal with Barassi's likeness, could be introduced as early as this year's grand final on September 28th at the MCG. That would mean that this year's premiership captain would receive a premiership medal and the inaugural Ron Barassi medal, handed out alongside the Norm Smith medal (played judged best afield) and Jock McHale medal (medal handed to the winning coach). Barassi's long-standing history in the game began in 1953 when the Melbourne Football Club signed him from the Preston Scouts. Playing 204 games and kicking 295 goals, the superstar midfielder became a six-time premiership player under legendary coach Norm Smith whilst also claiming two Keith 'Bluey' Truscott medals (1961, 1964) and was the captain (1960-1964) of the club. As a result, Barassi was named in the Demons Team of the Century and Hall of Fame (legend status). In 1965, Barassi joined Carlton as a player-coach for five seasons, where he learned his craft as a mentor to the next generation coming through. He claimed another two premiership medallions but in the Navy Blue, winning in 1968 and 1970, the latter being a famous victory for Carlton over Collingwood, as the club trailed by 44 points in the second half to storm home by less than two goals in front of 121,696 spectators. Barassi would finish his playing days with 254 games by his name and 330 goals. Barassi would then go on to coach North Melbourne to two premierships in 1975 and 1977 as he took over for eight seasons before re-joining the Demon coaching ranks ahead of the 1981 season. The Castlemaine product would remain as Melbourne coach until the end of 1985. Nearly a decade later, Barassi would be lured in by Sydney to return to coaching, which was seen as a huge coup given the development of the club that was placed in a rugby league-dominated city. The coaching legend would notch up 515 matches for four clubs, adding four pieces of silverware but, more importantly, growing the game to the behemoth it is today. It comes as fellow legendary coach Michael Malthouse declared that the most appropriate way would be to rename the premiership cup as the Ron Barassi Cup. "He is the greatest name," Malthouse said on Channel 9. "I think we missed an opportunity. I think the Ron Barassi Cup would be something that every club aspires to, more so than just a captain. "Fantastic that he's been honoured. Ron Barassi is football." The debate surrounding the best way to honour Barassi continues, with some believing that a medal for the premiership captain is a fitting tribute, while others, like Malthouse, feel that renaming the premiership cup would be a more significant gesture. ## Ron Barassi Medal: A Fitting Tribute or Missed Opportunity? The proposed Ron Barassi medal, which would be awarded to the premiership-winning captain, has been met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a fitting tribute to a legendary figure in the sport, others feel that it doesn't go far enough. Malthouse, a coaching legend in his own right, has been vocal in his belief that the AFL has missed an opportunity to honor Barassi in a more impactful way. He argues that renaming the premiership cup after Barassi would be a more significant gesture that would resonate with clubs and fans alike. "I think the Ron Barassi Cup would be something that every club aspires to, more so than just a captain," Malthouse said. The AFL has been working closely with Barassi's family to find the best way to honor him, and it remains to be seen whether they will consider Malthouse's suggestion. ## The Legacy of Ron Barassi Regardless of how the AFL chooses to honor Barassi, his legacy as one of the greatest figures in Australian Rules Football is undeniable. From his time as a dominant player for Melbourne and Carlton to his successful coaching career, Barassi left an indelible mark on the sport. He was not only a brilliant player and coach, but he was also a visionary leader who helped to shape the game into the modern behemoth it is today. As Malthouse aptly put it, "Ron Barassi is football." Barassi's influence transcended the field, inspiring generations of players and fans with his passion, dedication, and commitment to the game. His name will forever be etched in the annals of Australian football history, and the debate surrounding how best to honor him is a testament to the profound impact he had on the sport. ## Honoring a Legend: The Final Word The AFL's decision to honor Ron Barassi is a welcome one, but the debate surrounding the best way to do so highlights the enduring legacy of this iconic figure. While a medal for the premiership captain may be a fitting tribute, renaming the premiership cup after Barassi would be a more enduring and meaningful way to honor his extraordinary contributions to the game. Ultimately, the decision rests with the AFL, but one thing is certain: Ron Barassi's legacy as a legendary player, coach, and leader will continue to inspire generations to come.