Barassi battling Covid-19

MELBOURNE football legend Ron Barassi has been struck down with Covid-19, robbing the AFL champion of the chance to present the Demons 2021 premiership cup.

Barassi, 85, contracted the virus at the 70th birthday of another Melbourne identity – Peter “Crackers” Keenan.

The Hall of Famer was scheduled to present the Demons 2021 premiership cup at a fans event at the MCG on Sunday in front of up to 40,000 fans but is instead isolating at home.

It is understood Barassi (pictured) recently received his second vaccination dose. He and wife Cheryl are both believed to have contracted the virus, but have improved marginally in recent days.

They are said to be feeling poorly but otherwise bearing up well.

The event held at the Port Melbourne football ground with about 130 people has now become a super-spreading event, with more than 40 people believed to have tested positive.

They included several highprofile football and media identities. Barassi’s personal assistant Rosemary Long said on Thursday Barassi was disappointed to miss the MCG premiership celebration.

“He is at home and people are keeping an eye on him,” she said. “He improved a bit yesterday and he is laying low while they recover. He is doing what he can to support his immune system and resting up and keeping well hydrated. It is a bit of bad timing but he has to take care of himself and let his body work it out.”

Barassi was scheduled to attend a media event on Wednesday as part of the promotion for the premiership cup celebration but pulled out. The premiership celebration will include fans watching the incredible drought-breaking grand final and then listening to coach Simon Goodwin’s long-awaited speech. He was denied the chance to speak after the grand final when host Basil Zempilas moved on without giving him the chance – so has had weeks to prepare.

Barassi’s appearance as he battles his own health issues would have been one of the most emotional parts of the MCG celebration.