The state’s football community shares heartwarming tributes for SANFL legend Geof Motley

Prominent footy figures and fans have shared tributes for SANFL great Geof Motley following his death on Tuesday.

Geof Motley in the race during the 2014 SANFL Grand Final between Port Adelaide and Norwood, at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Mark Brake

The South Australian football community is mourning the loss of prominent Port Adelaide legend Geof Motley after his death.

Motley died on Tuesday afternoon at 88 from a short illness.

He was a member of both the Australian and SA Football Hall of Fame and shares the SANFL record for most premiership wins as a player, nine.

Port Adelaide premiership captain and former chief executive Brian Cunningham told The Advertiser Motley was up there with the greatest players the proud club had seen.

“He was an absolute icon at the club, as I was growing up as a youngster he was the captain of the club,” he said.

“Over my journey he was the chairman of selectors during my playing career and carried right through until the AFL era where he was heavily involved in player management.”

Kane Cornes (centre) and George Fiacchi (right) inducted into the Port Adelaide Hall Of Fame, with Port Adelaide great Geof Motley (left). Picture: Dean Martin

Cunningham said Motley’s best work was done on the field of play.

“He was uncompromising and a talented player – hard and tough, played a variety of positions, played a lot of state football and did some marvellous things on the state football stage.

“Obviously he was a captain during a very successful period and a coach as well … he is right up there at the top of the pops with Russell Eberts, John Cahills as one of the greats.”

Port Adelaide champion Tim Ginever – who played 314 games and won seven flags for the Magpies – said Motley was an SANFL treasure.

“In the last 10 years I dug deep into conversation with Geof to pick his brain and get stories about his success of winning six (premierships) in a row,” he said.

“It was an Australian record – he took over the record of the legendary Fos Williams after we won five in a row.”

Footballer Geof Motley with Port Adelaide teammates after winning the 1965 SANFL grand final.

Ginever said Motley’s knowledge of the history of SANFL was unparalleled.

“For me Geof was a looking glass into the history of the footy club which I loved,” he said.

“But not just Port, even when Neil Kerley passed away recently, he told me about three different Neil Kerley stories and he’d ring and tell me another.”

Fellow Port Adelaide Hall of Famer George Fiacchi said while it was a sad day to lose a great, Motley’s legacy would live on forever.

“Having won nine premiers – I run around saying I’ve won seven, but to say nine is ridiculous, it‘s unheard of and I think he’ll keep that record for some time,” he said.

“We used to see him regularly down at the club and he’d tell us his stories of the good old days and what he thought was going right and wrong with footy today.

Fiacchi said Motley was “a good guy to bounce off” when discussing form on the field.

“He’d always give feedback about what you were doing, he was fantastic to have in our corner and he’ll be sorely missed,”

“He’s been a great ambassador for our footy club … he was a special footballer.”

Several football clubs and prominent sporting figures have taken to social media to share tributes for Motley.

Former AFL footballer and former Weekday Sports presenter Warren Tredrea remembered Motley as a “true footy warrior”

“Mots was an Australian Football Hall of Famer of the highest calibre,” Tredrea said.

“But personally he was so much more, a brilliant and trusted manager, confidant and most importantly, a bloody good friend. Rest in peace great man.”

Port Adelaide footballer Geof Motley unveils the Geof Motley Race at Adelaide Oval – being congratulated by CEO Keith Thomas. Picture: Sarah Reed.

Industry Professor and chief economist Tim Harcourt said Motley was a “great footballer for Port Adelaide and South Australia”.

“A great man, I have happy memories of my dad buying my first sporting goods from Motley and Greer in the city,” he said. “All the best to the Motley family. May his memory be a blessing.”

The Port Adelaide Cheer Squad remembered Motley as a “true Port Adelaide great,” in a touching tribute posted to social media on Tuesday.

“A legend of a level that very few can lay claim, our boys run out in your honour from the ‘Geof Motley’ race for all home games at Adelaide Oval,” they wrote.

“It is with absolute awe that we speak of your talents, commitment and dedication to the SANFL and PAFC.

“Our sincerest condolences to your family, friends and loved ones. Your loss will be felt by many within the Port Adelaide community.”

Broadcast journalist Michael Smyth said he was saddened by Motley’s death, and felt “lucky enough” to have met with him a few years ago.

“He was humble, humorous and charming,” Smyth said. “A true legend.”