Robran, Mr B.

The Hon. R.P. WORTLEY (16:24): I move:

That this council—

1. Expresses its deep sadness at the passing of Barrie Robran MBE, a legend of Australian football and one of South Australia's most revered sporting icons;

2. Acknowledges Mr Robran's extraordinary career, including 201 games for North Adelaide, 17 games for South Australia, three Magarey Medals (1968, 1970, 1973), and his role in premierships in 1971 and 1972;

3. Recognises his induction into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and his elevation to 'Legend' status in 2001, the first South Australian and the first player without AFL/VFL experience to receive this honour;

4. Honours his humility, courage and lifelong service to football as a player, captain, coach, selector, and mentor, including his contributions off the field to the North Adelaide Football Club and the broader football community; and

5. Sends its sincere condolences to his wife Taimi, sons Matthew and Jonathon, and all who knew and admired him.

I rise today to pay tribute to one of South Australia's favourite sons. Barrie Robran was a footballer of extraordinary talent, a man of genuine humility and a legend of our game who has left an indelible legacy on and off the field. Born in Whyalla in 1947—and Whyalla was the birthplace of many a great man, Mr President—Barrie rose to prominence on the back of great discipline and character, but also a rare football skill. He made his league debut for North Adelaide in 1967 and quickly became the standard by which others were judged. Over the course of his career, he played 201 games for North Adelaide and 17 for South Australia. He won three Magarey Medals, was named his club's best and fairest seven times and led his club to two premierships.

His 1972 performance in the Champions of Australia match, where North Adelaide defeated VFL premiers Carlton at Adelaide Oval, signalled his greatness to the national audience. He turned in one of the greatest performances of his celebrated career, dominating Carlton footballers who had just won the premiership in the nation's premier competition.

Barrie Robran's greatness went way beyond statistics. He had the rare ability to both dazzle and inspire. He was agile, courageous and a visionary reader of the game. He was one of those players who seemed to do things in slow motion, while others could not catch him. But Barrie Robran was known not just for how he played but how he carried himself—always gracious and a true gentleman of sport. Even after his devastating knee injury in 1974, he continued to give back to the game. He went on to coach his beloved North Adelaide, mentored younger players and served as a state selector.

I myself had personal experience with Barrie Robran when my son was four years old. We expected him to join the Sturt Football Club. We went to the Sturt-North game and my son made it quite clear that he did not want to join Sturt. Actually, Barrie Robran signed him up at the North Adelaide football ground. Barrie Robran was always there to encourage young supporters and fans and gave so much of his time to North Adelaide and the game of football.

In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, Barrie was inducted into the Australian Hall of Fame in 1996 and was named its 17^th legend in 2001. He was the first South Australian to receive that honour without playing in the AFL or the VFL. Barrie was also a devoted family man. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, Taimi; sons, Matthew and Jonathan, who both played AFL football; and to all those who mourn his loss.

Barrie Robran is universally regarded as South Australia's finest footballer, but more than that he was a sporting icon who made our state proud. We honour his memory, celebrate his contribution and thank him for the joy he brought to generations of South Australians. May he rest in peace.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. D.G.E. Hood.