b'34Football (Australian Rules Football)The Barry Round CollectionOne of the true gentle giants of Australian Football,An immensely popular figure, Round impressed all with his admired and loved by teammates and opponents alike,eternal optimism and his ability to form bonds with players, Barry Rounds place in the pantheon of the greats of theadministrators, and supporters from all walks of life. His game has long been assured. Considered one of the finestsupport and influence were crucial to the success of the ruckmen to ever take to the field, it was neverthelessmove to Sydney in 1982, his leadership serving to steady Rounds laconic sense of humour and emphasis onthe team as they faced the challenges both professional sportsmanship that won him the lasting love andand personal that attended that famously tumultuous admiration of fellow players and supporters. Playing alwaysperiod. Although underfunded and under-resourced, the with distinction throughout his many years at Footscray,venture proved a pivotal turning point for the Swans, and South Melbourne/Sydney, and Williamstown, his actionsRounds steely resolve to see things through played a both on and off the field stemmed from a clear affectionmajor part in laying the foundation on which the modern and respect for the game and for all those involved whoSydney Swans culture has been built.made every match a reality. Brownlow Medallist, Swans captain, VFA Premiership Playing as first ruck for much of his career, his famouslycaptain, J.J. Liston Trophy recipient, Norm Goss Memorial barrel-chested bulk gave him a powerful advantageMedallist, AFL Hall of Famer, Sydney Swans and at boundary throw-ins and contested marks, and hisWilliamstown Seagulls Team of the Century member, Sydney extraordinary anaerobic capacity ensured that few playersSwans Hall of Famer - the list of achievements is long.of any size could match his speed and endurance. HighlyRetiring at the age of 41 with 438 VFL/VFA games under competitive but also scrupulously fair, he led by example,his belt, Roundy (as he had come to be known) put it best and served as a mentor to many emerging playerswith one of his signature one-liners: I played till I was 41, over the years. so I must have enjoyed it - either that or Im a slow learner!'