AFL icon Barry Davis passes away: Tributes pour in for legendary player and coach
- Replies 0
The Australian Football League (AFL) community is in a state of mourning following the news of Barry Davis's passing.
Davis, who was 80, was a legendary figure in the sport who left an indelible mark on the game.
He was not just a celebrated player but a true icon of the AFL, whose contributions to the sport extended far beyond the field.
Barry Davis's journey in the AFL began with the Essendon Bombers in 1961, where he quickly established himself as a star half-back flanker.
His early years with the Bombers were marked by significant success, as he was part of the team that clinched the premierships in 1962 and 1965.
Davis's prowess on the field was undeniable, and his leadership skills were soon recognised when he was named the club's best and fairest in 1968, 1969, and 1971, the latter following his appointment as captain.
The Essendon CEO, Craig Vozzo, paid tribute to Davis, saying, ‘Barry Davis was not only a great of our football club but of Australian football more broadly.’
‘His impact at both Essendon and North Melbourne was enormous and he will always be remembered and celebrated. His position as a (Bombers) Hall of Fame Legend and life member shows the high esteem he’s held in by our club.’
‘When Essendon people think of Barry, they will remember him both as a champion player and true gentleman. Everyone involved with Essendon send their thoughts to Barry’s family and friends during this difficult time,’ he added.
In a bold move that would further define his career, Davis transferred to North Melbourne in 1973, where he played under the legendary coach Ron Barassi.
His arrival coincided with a transformative period for the Kangaroos, and Davis was instrumental in leading the team to their first premiership in 1975, a fitting climax to his illustrious playing career.
This achievement was so significant that Davis was voted into North Melbourne's Team of the Century, a testament to his exceptional talent and influence.
North Melbourne's president, Sonja Hood, expressed the club's deep respect for Davis, stating, ‘Barry was a universally respected figure across the AFL and is one of the few people to be named in two clubs' teams of the century.’
‘So many people connected to that first great era of our club credit Barry — alongside coach Ron Barassi — with lifting the expectation of our players and supporters after a long run without the ultimate success.’
‘The wonderful pictures of Barry kissing our first VFL/AFL premiership cup are among the most iconic in our 155-year history and he’ll be forever remembered as a North Melbourne champion,’ Mr Hood added.
After retiring as a player, Davis's passion for the game saw him return to Essendon as the senior coach in 1978, where he served for three seasons before being succeeded by Kevin Sheedy.
His commitment to nurturing young talent was evident as he later contributed to the club's under-19 program.
The AFL community, including Bombers great Tim Watson, mourned the ‘sad news’ on the night of Thursday, May 23.
‘He was one of my first coaches and a very fine man,’ he lamented.
‘Condolences and best wishes to his family.
The AFL honoured Davis as ‘one of the rare players’ who became an ‘all-time great’ of the two clubs.
‘Barry Davis was a brilliant defender and ruck rover who was one of the greats of the VFL in the 1960s and 1970s,’ Chief Executive Andrew Dillon stated.
‘A triple premiership player and five-time best and fairest winner across his career, he was also a regular state representative for Victoria and a hero to young fans at both of his clubs.’
‘Barry will be remembered as a pivotal player at both the Bombers and the Kangaroos and we send our sympathies to his family, many friends and past teammates,’ he continued.
The AFL world also remembers other recent losses, including Kangaroos club champion and Collingwood premiership player Bill Serong, and long-time North Melbourne supporter and volunteer Dorothy Pain, who passed away at the age of 88 and 89, respectively, on Monday, May 20.
Serong claimed the best and fairest award during his sole season with the Kangaroos. Before his stint at Arden Street, he secured the 1958 premiership with the Magpies.
Growing up at Arden St as the son of star forward Donald, ‘When I was a kid coming into the club she’d look out for me,’ said current Co-captain Luke McDonald about Pain.
‘She’d always go off and find me a sausage and bread.’
‘Later in life I got to know her as one of the club’s iconic supporters. She was so loyal, always had a smile on her face. She’d do anything for the club.’
‘When I think of what it means to be a Shinboner, she’s someone who exemplifies this club, and what it means to so many people. She was always there, through thick and thin,’ he added.
Their contributions to the sport and their respective clubs will not be forgotten, and North Melbourne will wear black armbands in their upcoming match against Port Adelaide to honour their memory.
Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable legacy.
Barry Davis's passing poignantly reminds us of the fleeting nature of life but also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact one individual can have on a sport, a club, and its community.
His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of AFL players and fans, and his name will forever be synonymous with the greatness of Australian football.
Davis, who was 80, was a legendary figure in the sport who left an indelible mark on the game.
He was not just a celebrated player but a true icon of the AFL, whose contributions to the sport extended far beyond the field.
Barry Davis's journey in the AFL began with the Essendon Bombers in 1961, where he quickly established himself as a star half-back flanker.
His early years with the Bombers were marked by significant success, as he was part of the team that clinched the premierships in 1962 and 1965.
Davis's prowess on the field was undeniable, and his leadership skills were soon recognised when he was named the club's best and fairest in 1968, 1969, and 1971, the latter following his appointment as captain.
AFL great Barry Davis, who won three premierships, died at 80. Credits: Instagram / North Melbourne FC
The Essendon CEO, Craig Vozzo, paid tribute to Davis, saying, ‘Barry Davis was not only a great of our football club but of Australian football more broadly.’
‘His impact at both Essendon and North Melbourne was enormous and he will always be remembered and celebrated. His position as a (Bombers) Hall of Fame Legend and life member shows the high esteem he’s held in by our club.’
‘When Essendon people think of Barry, they will remember him both as a champion player and true gentleman. Everyone involved with Essendon send their thoughts to Barry’s family and friends during this difficult time,’ he added.
In a bold move that would further define his career, Davis transferred to North Melbourne in 1973, where he played under the legendary coach Ron Barassi.
His arrival coincided with a transformative period for the Kangaroos, and Davis was instrumental in leading the team to their first premiership in 1975, a fitting climax to his illustrious playing career.
This achievement was so significant that Davis was voted into North Melbourne's Team of the Century, a testament to his exceptional talent and influence.
North Melbourne's president, Sonja Hood, expressed the club's deep respect for Davis, stating, ‘Barry was a universally respected figure across the AFL and is one of the few people to be named in two clubs' teams of the century.’
‘So many people connected to that first great era of our club credit Barry — alongside coach Ron Barassi — with lifting the expectation of our players and supporters after a long run without the ultimate success.’
‘The wonderful pictures of Barry kissing our first VFL/AFL premiership cup are among the most iconic in our 155-year history and he’ll be forever remembered as a North Melbourne champion,’ Mr Hood added.
After retiring as a player, Davis's passion for the game saw him return to Essendon as the senior coach in 1978, where he served for three seasons before being succeeded by Kevin Sheedy.
His commitment to nurturing young talent was evident as he later contributed to the club's under-19 program.
The AFL community, including Bombers great Tim Watson, mourned the ‘sad news’ on the night of Thursday, May 23.
‘He was one of my first coaches and a very fine man,’ he lamented.
‘Condolences and best wishes to his family.
The AFL honoured Davis as ‘one of the rare players’ who became an ‘all-time great’ of the two clubs.
‘Barry Davis was a brilliant defender and ruck rover who was one of the greats of the VFL in the 1960s and 1970s,’ Chief Executive Andrew Dillon stated.
‘A triple premiership player and five-time best and fairest winner across his career, he was also a regular state representative for Victoria and a hero to young fans at both of his clubs.’
‘Barry will be remembered as a pivotal player at both the Bombers and the Kangaroos and we send our sympathies to his family, many friends and past teammates,’ he continued.
The AFL world also remembers other recent losses, including Kangaroos club champion and Collingwood premiership player Bill Serong, and long-time North Melbourne supporter and volunteer Dorothy Pain, who passed away at the age of 88 and 89, respectively, on Monday, May 20.
Serong claimed the best and fairest award during his sole season with the Kangaroos. Before his stint at Arden Street, he secured the 1958 premiership with the Magpies.
Growing up at Arden St as the son of star forward Donald, ‘When I was a kid coming into the club she’d look out for me,’ said current Co-captain Luke McDonald about Pain.
‘She’d always go off and find me a sausage and bread.’
‘Later in life I got to know her as one of the club’s iconic supporters. She was so loyal, always had a smile on her face. She’d do anything for the club.’
‘When I think of what it means to be a Shinboner, she’s someone who exemplifies this club, and what it means to so many people. She was always there, through thick and thin,’ he added.
Their contributions to the sport and their respective clubs will not be forgotten, and North Melbourne will wear black armbands in their upcoming match against Port Adelaide to honour their memory.
Barry Davis's passing poignantly reminds us of the fleeting nature of life but also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the profound impact one individual can have on a sport, a club, and its community.
His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of AFL players and fans, and his name will forever be synonymous with the greatness of Australian football.
