Footy world in shock as Newtown Jets club legend dies while celebrating his team's grand final win

The man who saved the most iconic footy team in Australia from oblivion has died just hours after the side completed one of its most memorable grand final victories.

Barry Vining, 85, suffered a heart attack and could not be revived after watching the Newtown Jets secure a last-gasp 28-22 grand final win over the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup decider on Sunday.

He had served as club president for 32 years during the most tumultuous years of the Jets history and had been watching the final at home when tragedy struck.

A good friend of Barry's told 2GB that his final moments were spent celebrating his beloved Jets after their grand final win. 

'He was so excited, he's 85 now, he was so excited that it literally gave him a heart attack and sadly he was with his lovely wife Vicki and his family all watching at home there,' the man, named only as Rob, said.

'They've had to work on him as much as they could, an ambulance was called and they worked on him and sadly he didn't make it.'

Barry is credited with saving the Newtown Jets from complete extinction.

'Mr Vining will always be remembered as one of the most effective and well-respected club Presidents in Newtown’s 116-year history,' the club said in a statement.

'A celebration of Barry’s contribution to the Newtown Jets is being organised and the details will be released soon.'

The Jets, originally known as the Newtown Bluebags, were ejected from the NSWRL first-grad competition  in 1983 due to financial difficulties. 

During the wilderness years from 1984 to 1990, the club fought for survival without fielding a team in any grade. Their resilience paid off with a return to competitive play in the NSWRL Metropolitan Cup and subsequent promotion to the NSW Cup. 

Rob said that Barry had such a deep love for the Jets that he would have been happy to go out the way he did. 

'I don't think he could have orchestrated it any better, if he had to go I think that would've been the way for Barry absolutely,' he said.

'I know it's a sad time when someone passes but if Barry was to go I don't think he could have arranged it any better… he lived for that team and that club.'

The tributes have started to flow in from lifelong Jets fans. 

'Just heard the sad news of the passing of Barry Vining, a great supporter of the Newtown Jets. A past president of our club and he was part of the reason we were able to keep the club going after 1983. RIP,' one supporter posted.

'Very sad news ,A true Bluebag legend. R.I.P,' added another fan. 

'Condolences RIP Barry you were the most important person in the survival and revival of the Jets,' lamented another. 

Growing up in Camperdown, Barry embraced his passion for rugby league early, becoming a devoted supporter of Newtown. 

Barry joined the Newtown RLFC board in 1980 and rose to the position of president in 1986. Alongside director Terry Rowney, he played a crucial role in preserving the club during its wilderness years from 1984 to 1990, a period when the club did not field a team in any grade.

Under his leadership, Newtown emerged from obscurity to become a respected and thriving member of the NSW Rugby League.

Barry led the club through its years in the NSWRL Metropolitan Cup competition, achieving a premiership in 1992 and a remarkable hat-trick of premierships from 1995 to 1997 under coach Colin Murphy. 

His efforts, alongside those of Terry Rowney and Patron John Singleton, facilitated Newtown's promotion to the second-tier NSW Rugby League in 2000, now known as the Knock-On Effect NSW Cup. 

The club's resurgence was marked by premiership victories in 2012 and 2019, and an NRL State Championship in 2019.

Beyond rugby league, Barry's influence extended to the air freight industry. His 45-year career included serving as a Director of the Australian Federation of International Freight Forwarders for 24 years, with a seven-year tenure as chairman. 

In 1995, Barry was elected vice-president of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders (FIATA) and honoured as an Honorary Member at the FIATA World Congress in 2011. 

His dedication to ethical practices, good governance, and public interest defined his business legacy.

Barry Vining's life was a testament to commitment, vision, and integrity. 

Newtown have carved out a niche as a family-friendly, down-to-earth rugby league offering in Sydney's trendy Inner West, ensuring Barry's legacy will be felt for many years to come.