To complement the club’s new look sporting legends display in the sports bar, completed as part of refurbishments during COVID-19, the club reached out to the former Sydney Swans player through his father Leo Barry Snr.
And the former Sydney Swan was happy to oblige, and even delivered the ball to the club himself during Easter when visiting his parents with his family.
On seeing the effort the club had put in to recognise his achievements in sport, Mr Barry said it was a ‘‘huge honour’’.
His career is one of three recognised in large scale displays at the club, with cricketer Mary Loy and jockey Roy Higgins also featured.
‘‘I was pleasantly surprised (by the display) and to be alongside those other legends,’’ Mr Barry said.
‘‘I always enjoy going back to Deni, and it certainly still feels like home, even though I left when I was 16. It is my spiritual home.’’
Mr Barry played 237 games for the Swans from 1995 to 2009, and is most well known for ‘that mark’ in the Swans’ successful 2005 AFL premiership game.
He now lives in Melbourne where he is a senior investment manager with Fairview, and last year demonstrated his continuing commitment to the Sydney Swans by joining its board.
Easter was the first time he was able to return to Deniliquin since the pandemic began, after border closures forced him to abandon his usual Christmas/New Year return.
Refurbishments at the club during COVID-19 were completed mostly by existing staff, who were redeployed to maintain their employment.
Deni RSL finance manager Lynda Danckert said the large displays are complemented by a collage of other smaller displays recognising other ‘‘exceptional locals’’ in the sporting field.
Mrs Danckert said the project is ongoing, with more local sporting heroes to be added soon.
13°C