Philanthropist Basil Sellers funds six sculptures to be placed around the upgraded Adelaide Oval
PHILANTHROPIST Basil Sellers has funded six sculptures to be placed around the upgraded Oval over the next three years to join existing life-size tributes.
FOOTBALL greats Malcolm Blight, Russell Ebert, Ken Farmer and Barrie Robran will join cricket's George Giffen, Jason Gillespie, Clem Hill and Darren Lehmann immortalised in bronze at Adelaide Oval.
Philanthropist Basil Sellers has funded six sculptures to be placed around the upgraded Oval over the next three years in addition to existing life-size tributes to former Test paceman Jason Gillespie and current Australian coach Darren Lehmann.
"I felt it was important with the redevelopment of the Oval that I give something back to my home town and I wanted to do so in a way that could be experienced by many in an open setting - rather than paintings hanging on a wall in a boardroom somewhere," said Sellers, who politely declined to detail the cost of the statues.
Ever modest, four-time Magarey Medallist Ebert was humbled by his statue inclusion but thought there were those more deserving.
"I would prefer to commemorate those who have gone and fought for us but I look on that with a lot of pride. I would like to see everyone who has played a game of cricket or footy there recognised," Ebert.
Ebert said he was touched to be bracketed in elite sporting company. "I had the pleasure of playing against Malcolm and with him in state footy and for North Melbourne,' said Ebert of dual Adelaide premiership coach Blight, below.
"Ken Farmer's record was staggering to kick 100 goals in so many seasons. Barrie Robran was the best. I saw great Victorian players applauding him during the 1972 Australia championships."
Individuals with statues can't have a stand named after them. The names of the Oval stands will be announced soon. The first AFL clash, a Showdown between Port Adelaide and Adelaide is scheduled for next March.
Sellers is the benefactor of the Basil Sellers Art Prize and the Basil Sellers Sports Sculpture Project of 10 sculptures at the Sydney Cricket Ground.