Legendary AFL player Barry Round's Brownlow Medal brings in a staggering auction price
Auction of Barry Round's Brownlow Medal: A Piece of Australian Football History Sold
The auction of the late AFL legend Barry Round's Brownlow Medal, shared with Bernie Quinlan in 1981, took place on Thursday. The event, held by Leski Auctions, attracted significant attention from football enthusiasts.
Barry Round, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 72 due to organ failure, enjoyed a 17-year career with Footscray and South Melbourne/Sydney. He played 328 games, which ranks him 46th in all-time games played in the AFL. Round was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2001 and was a member of Sydney's Team of the Century, revealed in 2003.
The Brownlow Medal, considered the most prestigious award in the AFL, was sold for a staggering $95,000. This price far surpassed the initial quoted range of $50,000-$75,000. The medal holds a special place in footy history, as it was shared with Quinlan, Round's good friend, who also polled 22 votes to top the leaderboard in 1981.
The auction also included a unique collection of documents, such as Round's 1985 player contract with the Swans, State of Origin selection arrangements, and VFL player registration forms. This collection fetched $1600. Alongside the documents, various pieces of Round's memorabilia were up for sale, including trophies, match-worn jumpers, boots, and more.
Charles Leski, the owner of Leski Auctions, stated that the Brownlow Medal is the most desirable and difficult to achieve individual sporting award in Australia. Another notable item sold at the auction was the Norm Goss Medal, awarded to the best player in the 1990's VFA grand final, which fetched $2000. The J.J. Liston Trophy, awarded to the best player in the VFA, was sold for $3600.
The auction was a significant event in the world of Australian football, offering a glimpse into the life and career of a true legend. The sale of Round's Brownlow Medal not only marks a moment in history but also serves as a testament to the enduring passion for the sport and its greatest players.
