Australian Football

At 193cm and 95kg John Barnes was by no means the most physically imposing of ruckmen, but he compensated for this with great athleticism, and he improved noticeably over time. Recruited by Essendon from Cobram he found it difficult to hold down a regular senior spot and between 1987 and 1990 managed just a dozen games. Traded to Geelong in 1991 he quickly showed significant improvement and he was a key player for the Cats in 144 games over nine seasons. Twice selected to represent Victoria during this phase of his career his advancement was interrupted when he sustained a broken arm in 1997. During his absence from the team Steven King assumed the main rucking mantle and retained it on Barnes’ return. 

Still seeking challenges, in 2000 he returned to Essendon and went on to be a key player, as a ruckman, in the Bombers’ triumph over Melbourne in that year’s grand final. His final couple of seasons saw him add another 46 games and, following the 2001 grand final loss to Brisbane, he retired. John Barnes’ dynamic, agile sgtyle of play made him a popular figure among the fans of both of his clubs, but it has to be admitted that he also sometimes behaved a little irresponsibly, much to his coaches’ frustration.

Author - John Devaney