Born: February 27, 1936
Died: September 16, 2023
North Melbourne games coached: 198 (1973–80)
North Melbourne Hall of Fame inductee: 2002

In 1971, three years after guiding Carlton to its first premiership in 21 years, Ron Barassi announced his retirement.

To North Melbourne's lasting fortune, it proved short-lived.

Club administrator Albert Mantello had discussed the idea of a coaching return with Barassi ahead of the 1973 season, after buying a desk from his furniture store.

At the time, Barassi had no intention of coaching, but he was quickly swayed.

Below is the serviette that the details of Barassi’s contract were jotted on.

Barassi guided the Kangaroos to their first-ever VFL/AFL premiership just three years later in 1975.

That victory over Hawthorn was all the more remarkable considering the Roos had finished the 1972 season last on the table with just one win from 22 games.

The legend of Barassi grew larger two years later when his team overcame a 27-point three-quarter time deficit in a historic drawn Grand Final against Collingwood. The Roos claimed their second flag a week later in the replay.

During Barassi’s eight years at the coaching helm from 1973-80, North Melbourne played in six Grand Finals, winning two, drawing one and losing three. 

The club missed the finals just once during his tenure, in his first year in charge in 1973.