SA football great Neil Kerley’s state funeral date and venue announced

The date and venue for SA football great Neil Kerley’s state funeral have been announced, with the government saying it will celebrate him as “the epitome of SA football”.

SA football great Neil Kerley’s state funeral will be held at Adelaide Oval on Monday, July 25 at 1pm, the State Government has announced.

Acting Premier Susan Close on Friday revealed the service would celebrate Kerley as “the epitome of South Australian football.”

“This event will be a celebration of the life of Neil Kerley, celebrated as “Mr Football”, and

will be an opportunity to hear from family, friends and celebrate what the man brought to South Australia, to our community and particularly, to our great sport of Aussie rules.” Ms Close said.

“The event will be live streamed, and will be open for all to attend,”

“You’ll be able to hop online and register a place. It will be free, and people will be available to attend at Adelaide Oval on the 25th of July,” she said.

Dr Close also expressed the gratitude of Kerley’s family at the state’s willingness to celebrate his life.

“I believe Barb (his widow Barbara Kerley) and the family are very moved at the reaction of all of South Australia to the passing of Neil, and are grateful for the opportunity to be able to share their farewell with all of the people who loved and respected him,” Dr Close said.

“The only wish (of the family) is that instead of considering floral tributes, donations be made to Legacy, which is, I understand, a charity that was very close to Neil Kerley’s heart,” she said.

Kerley, a two-time SANFL premiership coach and two-time premiership captain-coach, died when his vehicle crashed while towing a trailer on Mallee Rd at Walker Flat on June 29.

He suffered a medical episode just 4km from home when he lost control, ploughing into a paddock.

In a cruel twist of fate, the football legend died on the same day as his son, Donald John Kerley, who passed away three years ago from lung cancer.

Shortly after his death, Mrs Kerley said she was humbled by Premier Peter Malinauskas’ offer for a state funeral in her husband’s honour.

“I think after the funeral is when it will hit me, I’ve been going off adrenaline for the last few days I think,” she said at the time.

“You can’t forget him quick … we’ll just be talking about him as if he’s still here.

“He would’ve said: ‘Had a bloody good innings.”

Details of Neil Kerley’s state funeral have been revealed. Artwork: Steve Grice/The Advertiser

On announcing plans for the state funeral, Mr Malinauskas described Kerley as both an “SA icon and football legend”.

He said a state funeral would give the community an opportunity to pay tribute to Kerley and reflect on his legacy and contribution to SA.

“Neil Kerley was an extraordinary South Australian, I’m very grateful to be able to recognise that in a more public way,” he said.

Neil Kerley in pictures: The player and the coach

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“This is an important occasion for the Kerley family but also for the football community and South Australians.

“It was my judgment that a state funeral was an appropriate offer to be made to the family given the extraordinary legacy he leaves, but both on-field and off-field he captured the hearts of South Australians and showcased our pride as a state on many occasions, including on the big stage at the MCG among other places.

“We thank him for that service and we want to make sure that the state funeral reflects that.”