Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert’s family launches blood, plasma drive

Roll up your sleeves South Australian football fans. This is your chance to support one of the state’s greatest footballers in his battle with cancer.

Port Adelaide great Russell Ebert (left) has had a blood and plasma drive named for him. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Port Adelaide football legend Russell Ebert is staying positive and “not going too bad” as he continues his battle with acute myeloid leukaemia, according to his son, Brett.

Four-time Magarey Medallist Russell was diagnosed with the blood cancer in December after a routine health check.

Two months on, Port Adelaide and the Ebert family have started a “Team Russell” blood and plasma drive at Red Cross Lifeblood donor centres to support a cause close to home.

Russell, who has been forced to take time off his role in the club’s community programs, is a long-time regular blood donor but is no longer eligible due to his diagnosis.

Ex-Power forward Brett told The Advertiser his dad, an SA and Australian Football Hall of Fame member, was continuing to undergo treatment and the family was rallying around him.

Brett said people rolling up their sleeves was the best way to support him.

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Cousins Brett and Brad Ebert donating blood to “Team Russell” a cause set up to help Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert. Picture: Matt Turner.

“Everyone’s asked Dad how they can help and this can help him and a lot of other people,” Brett said.

“He’s not going too bad.

“He’s working through it, keeping positive and listening to the experts.

“It’s out of his hands, which is difficult, because he’s always been the man to get the job done, and the family and wider community have come to him.

“Now’s our opportunity to help him and support him through it.”

Brett, who played 166 games for the Power and won the 2003 Magarey Medal, said his Dad’s diagnosis was tough for the family.

“It was just before Christmas so not the greatest time, but we’ve come together as a family and did and do whatever we can for him,” he said.

“(He said) ‘this is what I’ve got’ and he’s already looking to how he can beat it.”

One in three Australians will need blood or blood products in their lifetime and one donation can save up to three lives.

Of the 1.5 million blood donations collected annually, 34 per cent goes towards treating people with cancer and blood diseases such as leukaemia.

Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert at work with the Power’s community programs last year. Picture: AAP/Morgan Sette

On Thursday, Brett donated blood to “Team Russell” at his Dad’s usual donor centre at Port Adelaide, while his cousin, recently retired Power star Brad Ebert, gave plasma.

“With what Dad’s got, he needs regular blood and plasma donations,” Brett said.

“It’s not too difficult, a bit of time out of your day, but it’s for a great cause.

“We’re trying to spread that awareness … and hopefully we can have thousands of people donating long-term.”

Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said it was typical of Russell — arguably the club’s greatest player — to use his diagnosis to help others.

In October, Russell was named SA’s Local Hero for 2021 for his community work at the Australian of the Year Awards.

“When the Ebert family reached out to us with the idea … we knew immediately it was something we wanted to support,” Richardson said.

“While he focuses on attacking his treatment with his typical determination, we

encourage all our members and supporters to take up the baton and donate blood on

Russell’s behalf.”

People can join “Team Russell” via any Red Cross Lifeblood centre.

To book time to donate please call 13 14 95 or visit lifeblood.com.au.