The Demons are hoping to break a 57-year premiership drought when they tackle the Western Bulldogs in Perth on Saturday.

Barassi, who played in six premiership sides for the Demons including 1964 as captain, first met Mr Turner in 1958.

"I can vividly remember Ron coming to my parents' farm at Mt Napier just outside Hamilton," he told The Standard.

MORE FOOTY: Former lockdown midfielder expects Demons to avoid hard tag in grand final

"Ron stayed overnight at the farm before going to play for Melbourne in a practice game at Hamilton.

"Ian Ridley, who went on to play in five premierships with the Demons, came from Hamilton. Ron gave me a footy, sadly I lost that years ago but I kept the signed photos."

Mr Turner said his 13^th birthday was one to remember.

"My dad's sister was great friends with Bill Hyland who was working at the Demons back in that era," he said.

MORE FOOTY: The longest grand final week(s) of all time

"Bill used to get us into the Demon rooms when I was just a youngster. Bill organised numerous Melbourne players including Barassi, 'Tassie' Johnson, Brian Roet, Trevor Johnson and 'Hassa' Mann to have their photos taken at the MCG and they signed them personally for my 13th birthday.

"It was a massive thrill to get the photos and I still cherish them to this day."

Mr Turner, who was among the part-owners of Extreme Choice when he won the 2016 Blue Diamond Stakes, said it would be a wonderful result if the Demons could win the flag.

"Winning another flag has been a long time coming," he said.

"There's plenty of Demons fans hanging our for another premiership win and I'm one of them but a win would be sensational for blokes like Barassi and Neale Daniher who have done so much for the club."

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content: