Such was his ability longevity and influence that Fred Baring was named full back in Essendon’s Team of the Century and ranked in the top 25 Champions of Essendon.
Fred Baring played 154 games for Essendon between 1910 and 1924 in what was one of Essendon’s longest careers for the time.
Baring made his debut in round 8, 1910, against Geelong and played 12 games in his debut season. One early newspaper report said ‘he is a wonderful mark...he is a first rate kick and always quick and sure of hand.’
In just his second season, Baring was a key member of the 1911 Premiership side in the club’s six-point win over Collingwood. He was listed among Essendon’s best that day by The Argus newspaper who said Baring ‘shirked nothing’.
The following year Baring starred in the 1912 Grand Final victory over Melbourne, kicking a memorable goal in the last quarter to put the game out of Melbourne’s reach. In the florid writing of the time, one newspaper said of that performance:
‘Baring performed one of the grandest efforts ever seen on a football ground. With long strides like a kangaroo, Baring eluded all pursuers and running right up to goal shot the ball right through. That settled the issue and Essendon won...’
Baring represented Victoria in 1911, 1913 and 1919, and in 1913 won an award as the best player in Victoria. He was Essendon captain in 1918.
Injury restricted him to only 4 games in 1923 and 5 in 1924 but such was his importance to the team these games included both the 1923 1924 premiership wins.
In 1918 The Herald newspaper described Fred Baring as one of the greatest athletes in Victoria.
We induct Fred Baring as a member of the Essendon Football Club Hall of Fame.
