Port Adelaide forward Todd Marshall given standing ovation at 13th minute mark of comeback match
AFTER an unimaginable six months in which he lost another parent, Port youngster Todd Marshall was back. And fans — and a Bulldogs opponent — ensured he knew they were feeling for him in what Ollie Wines hailed a ‘super special’ moment.
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IT was a moment that once again reminded fans that it’s just a game.
Port forward Todd Marshall, back into the team for the first time since Round 4, was returning for the Power after being granted compassionate leave following the death of both parents within the past 12 months.
And Port Adelaide fans, and the Western Bulldogs, rallied around the 19-year-old in touching fashion.
In a show of support for Marshall and as an acknowledgment of his harrowing few months, Power fans stood as one at the 13th minute of the opening term (Marshall wears No.13) and gave him a standing ovation.
13th minute applause for @PAFC's #13.
— AFL (@AFL) June 14, 2018
The whole footy world is with you, @toddmarshalll.#AFLPowerDogs pic.twitter.com/5iFQYf9wiO
Obviously aware of the tribute, first-year Bulldog Hayden Crozier also went to Marshall and seemingly gave the Port youngster some kind words.
The Port forward was lively in the opening term as his Port side ran away from the Bulldogs.
Marshall had played AFL on April 15 and spent almost a month away from Alberton as he took time out to continue grieving the loss of his parents.
Power vice-captain Ollie Wines said the gesture for Marshall was “super special by our supporters”.
“No 19-year-old old kid has to go through what Todd’s gone through,” Wines told FIVEaa on Friday morning.
“It’s a testament to his family and to his parents how well he’s handled it and gone through it.
“It was so good to see him back out there… I think in these situations a football environment, there’s no better place.”
Todd Marshall walks down the race after the win, acknowledging fans in what would of been an emotional return. pic.twitter.com/TRI8MkwI3m
— Sarah Reed (@SarahReed) June 14, 2018
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