Nathan Cahill and Imogen Abernethy welcome first child

Two legendary Adelaide sporting families have welcomed the start of a new chapter for their families.

Two legendary Port Adelaide Football Club families have combined to give seven-time premiership star and 7 News personality Bruce Abernethy his first grandchild.

Abernethy’s daughter Imogen and Nathan Cahill, the grandson of Australian Football hall of famer Jack Cahill, have announced the birth of their first child Jack Abernethy-Cahill.

Jack was born on Thursday, the day before Port Adelaide announced Abernethy had lost a close battle with fellow club champion Warren Tredrea for a position on the AFL club’s board.

Nathan Cahill and Imogen Abernethy with baby Jack Abernethy-Cahill Picture: Instagram

Nathan Cahill and Imogen Abernethy new baby Jack Abernethy-Cahill Picture: Instagram

Abernethy played 190 SANFL games with Port Adelaide before notching more than 100 VFL and AFL games for North Melbourne, Collingwood and Adelaide.

Former footy star Bruce Abernethy and coach John Cahill with the Thomas Seymour Hill trophy after the 1988 Port Adelaide vs Glenelg Grand Final match at Football Park. Picture: Stuart Hannagan

He won Port Adelaide best and fairest in 1987, is a Port life member and member of the South Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Jack Cahill was Port Adelaide’s inaugural AFL coach and a 10-time SANFL premiership coach with the Magpies. He is also a four-time premiership player and four-time best and fairest with the Magpies.

Bruce Abernethy said on Saturday, a day after the birth, said Jack’s arrival signalled the start of a new generation.

“My children are the best thing I’ve done in my life, and I am proud of all of them,” he said.

“And now our first grandchild arrives, to my daughter Imogen and her partner Nathan, and as a family we are all celebrating the healthy, happy arrival of Jack and our family’s next generation begins.

Despite his lineage, Abernethy said he wished only for his first grandchild to grow up happy and loved.

“His great grandfather is John Cahill and his great uncle is Darren Cahill, who is a reasonable tennis coach and player, who knows about football.

“As long as he (Jack) grows up happy, healthy and loved.”