BLAST FROM THE PAST
The following is a cross between a Blast from the Past and a Tribute to a former player of this area that recently passed away last week at the age of 65. Barry Rist was a high profile player recruited from the VFL to this area in the 1960's.
The Playing and Coaching career of BARRY RIST.
Played: Collingwood (VFL) 1961-1963. Coburg (VFA) 1964. Capt/Coach Ariah Park (SWDFL) 1965-1967. Capt/Coach Ardlethan (SWDFL) 1968-1970. Capt/Coach Belgrave (YVMDFL) 1971 - Runner Up
Played with APM 1975.
Non Playing Coach: Templestowe 1973 - premiers. Non Playing assistant coach Preston (VFA) 1972. Non Playing Coach: North Heidelberg (DVDFL) 1977. Lalor (DVDFL) 1979-80 Premiers 1980. Alphington (VAFA) 1982. Lalor (DVDFL) 1984 Runner Up. North Ringwood (EDFL) 1985. Watsonia (DVDFL) 1986-87 Premiers 1987. Wallan (RDFL) 1989 Premiers. Lalor (DVDFL) 1991 Premiers. Kilmore (RDFL) 1994 Premiers. Broadford (HDFL) 1996-97 Premiers 1996. Warburton (YVMDFL) 1999.
Barry had 23 seasons as Coach, 17 times finalists, 9 times Grand Finalists and 7 Premierships.
Former Collingwood player, Barry Rist, was recruited by Ariah Park in 1965 aged 23. Initially intending to stay for only a season or two Barry fell in love with the people and the lifestyle of the Riverina and ended up staying six seasons, three as captain coach of Ariah Park and three as captain coach of arch rival, Ardlethan. In the end only illness forced him back to Melbourne after being diagnosed with cancer during the 1969 season. Known as a tough and uncompromising player on the field, he showed the same spirit off the field to return to Ardlethan after treatment and fulfill his commitment to the club. He returned to Melbourne after honouring that commitment, however, his absence from the region didn't last long and he returned in 1975 after purchasing the Ariah Park Hotel. Having previously retired from playing three seasons earlier, APM coach and South Melbourne star, Ricky Quade convinced him to pull the boots back on for one more season. That all star team also included VFL player Jim Prentice and a young kid called Terry Daniher. Although he again returned to Melbourne and forged a very successful metropolitan coaching record, his links to the area remained strong and he was instrumental in assisting local clubs to lure Melbourne based players such as Kevin Grosse and Joffa Edwards. Those links have only strengthened in time. When he first arrived in Ariah Park 42 years ago he struck up a friendship with Noel "Bluey" Walker and they remained each others best mate in life until the end. Bluey attributes his lengthy tribunal record to being corrupted by Barry very early in his career whilst a young and naïve ruckman. In the 70's his sister moved from Melbourne and bought the Mirrool Hotel and his wife's sister moved up to purchase the Farmers Home Hotel in Matong. It was whilst visiting relatives that eldest daughter, Kerrie, met and marries ex Grong Grong Matong player Roger Hamblin and they settled in Matong. Barry's grandson, Clayton Hamblin, plays for the GGGM U18's and his granddaughters, Teegan and Whitney, both play netball for GGGM. Teegan was the last crowned Miss RFL. Also his wife's sister, Joyce, is married to RFL President, Graham Buchanan.
Barry Rist was very well known in this area and there were few pubs in the Riverina that he could walk into without someone knowing him. I'm sure all who knew him would join me in passing on our condolences to his family and assure them that he will be remembered fondly for many a year.