Leo Barry
Leo Barry (born
May 19,
1977) is an
Australian rules footballer in the
AFL with the
Sydney Swans.
Originally from
Deniliquin, New South Wales, he attended
St Ignatius' College, Riverview before being drafted as a zone selection in the 1994
National Draft and making his debut in the final round of the 1995 season against
Collingwood. For the next few seasons he played in the forward line without consistency, struggling to find a place in an already strong forward line. He did, however, display an ability to take spectacular jumping
marks, earning him the nickname "Leaping Leo".
In 2001, Swans coach
Rodney Eade moved him to the backline, where he prospered. Despite being short for a fullback at 184cm, he has successfully played on much taller opponents, making use of his leaping skills and using his body well. Current coach
Paul Roos rates him as one of the best defenders in the AFL, an assessment backed up by his inclusion in the
All Australian Team in 2004 and 2005. Barry's backline heroics were instrumental to the Swans success which culminated with one of Barry's trademark spectacular marks during the 2005 Grand Final between Sydney and
West Coast. He marked in the West Coast forward line within the dying seconds of the game to secure the Swans' long-awaited premiership.
