The Swannies, John MacFarlane caught up with Official AFL Legend, Barry Cable, in Perth last weekend. Barry also signed a North Melbourne jumper which will be auctioned at the Swannies’ 2012 AFL Grand Final Party in Saigon.
Last weekend, Swannie, John MacFarlane caught up with AFL superstar, Barry Cable, in Perth.
Barry, who knows Saigon’s Vice President, Mega Brett Jotta, agreed to sign a North Melbourne jumper that will be auctioned at the Vietnam Swans’ 2012 AFL Grand Final Party in Saigon.
This is a particularly great honour for the Vietnam Swans because, despite Cable being “deemed too small to play for the WAFL” (not dissimilar to Mega Bretta Jotta!), he went on to make one of the biggest contributions to football, on and off the field, on both sides of the country.
Just three months ago, Cable became the 24th player in the history of the VFL/AFL to be elevated to Legend status.
On 13 June 2012, Fox News reported in an article headlined, North Melbourne and WAFL great Barry Cable elevated to Legend status at AFL Hall of Fame function that:
“Success followed the brilliant Cable wherever he went in football. He won three Sandover Medals as the best player in the WAFL in 1964, 1968 and 1973 – interspersed by a year with North Melbourne – before moving to the Kangaroos in 1974 or a longer four-year stint, where he played a key role in the club’s first two VFL premiership sides in 1975 and 1977.
“Cable also won three successive premierships as a player with Perth from 1966-68 and another one as captain-coach of East Perth in 1978, the year after he returned home following 115 games for the Kangaroos.
“He always prided himself on his fitness and was one of the best exponents of handball in the sport’s history.
‘I’d always like to think that I gave it my best shot’, said Cable. ‘If that meant I was in the top group then that’s how it would be.’
“Cable is also a legend in the WA Football Hall of Fame, the starting rover in the Indigenous and the North Melbourne teams of the century and a three-time All-Australian, the last occasion coming as a coach in 1979.”
From those of us over here in Vietnam, we thank Barry Cable most sincerely for his generosity in signing that jumper. We look at the size of his contribution to the game at the highest levels on its biggest stage and, collectively, we stand in awe. This jumper gives us the opportunity to reflect and relive (or learn about) his achievements over two decades as a player and coach.
To see the official three minute tribute video that was played at the official function in June where his Legend status was announced, click on the You Tube video below, Barry Cable – AFL Hall of Fame Legend, 13 June, 2012.
From all the Swannies, Barry Cable, you Legend!! (See beneath video clip for other incredible items for auction at the 2012 AFL Grand Final Parties.)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEPAcj9TJIg&w=560&h=315]
Fleur Limbrick gets into the Auction Action at the Swannies’ 2009 AFL Grand Final Party in Saigon.
Other items up for auction at the Swannies’ 2012 AFL Grand Final Parties
- 1996 Brisbane Bears jumper signed by team (that went on to win three premierships as the Brisbane Lions. Includes, Voss, Lynch, Akermanis etc) Donated by Chris O’Dempsey.
- Sydney Swans jumper signed by the team. Donated by Heath Ellis.
- One Fremantle jumper. Donated by Gerard Neesham. (Funds raised will be donated to Swim Vietnam)
- Carlton “Team of the Century” jumper signed specifically for the Swannies by Official AFL Legend, Alex Jesaulenko. Donated by Lagler Australia.
- North Melbourne jumper signed specifically by Official AFL Legend, Barry Cable.
- GWS jumper signed by Kevin Sheedy. Donated by Ken Earney
- “150 years of Football” mural signed by Kevin Sheedy. Donated by Ken Earney
- Fiji Rugby jumper. Donated by Ross Munn.
- Manchester United jumper signed by legends, Denis Irwin and Gordon McQueen. Donated by Wayne Rideout
- Heart Reach Australia hat signed by motor ace, Peter Brock. Donated by Chris O’Dempsey.
