Barrie Robran dies aged 77 as media personality niece Jade Robran rushes off FiveAA radio show

Adelaide media personality Jade Robran has rushed out from a morning radio show on Wednesday after learning of the death of her uncle, and Australian Football Hall of Fame Legend, Barrie Robran.

Robran was 77.

Experienced South Australian journalist Jade was live on-air alongside Tom Rehn, filling in for regular FiveAA hosts Will Goodings and David Penberthy, when she received the “tragic news” just after 7am, local time.

“Jade unfortunately has had to go home, there has been some unexpected and very tragic news — there’s been a death in her family, so we wish Jade all the very best,” Rehn revealed.

“Hope you’re OK, Jade, if you’re driving home listening right now.

“Jade, we love you, we hope you’re OK with the rest of the family.

“Hopefully she’ll be back tomorrow. That’s very very sad news.”

Rehn continued presenting for the rest of the show without his co-host.

Barrie Robran is one of the greatest names in the history of South Australian football.

He won three Magarey Medals (the SANFL’s equivalent of the Brownlow), seven North Adelaide best and fairests and two SANFL premierships across 201 games for the Roosters.

Robran is also the ruck rover in North Adelaide’s team of the century and was one of the inaugural inductees into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

Five years later, he was elevated to Legend status.

He also had a brief coaching stint with North Adelaide, and served as a South Australian state selector for 14 years.

Few names in the history of South Australian football are held in higher esteem than Robran’s.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas led the tributes flowing in for the footy legend.

“Saddened to hear about the passing of the legendary Barrie Robran MBE,” he said.

“A Whyalla boy who was one of South Australia’s greatest footballers, a state treasure.

“On behalf of all Government of South Australia, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife Taimi, sons Matthew and Jonathan, grandchildren, and his wider family. May he rest in peace.”

North Adelaide president Kris Mooney said Robran was “more than just a footballer”.

“He was the embodiment of everything North Adelaide stands for: excellence, humility, and unwavering loyalty,” Mooney said.

“His legacy will forever inspire us, and his quiet grace touched everyone he met. We are incredibly proud to call him one of our own.”

Vale.