Port Adelaide great Russell Ebert elevated to legend status

Port Adelaide great and four-time Magarey Medallist Russell Ebert has been elevated to the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame “legend” status.

Russell Ebert’s elevation to South Australian sport’s highest individual honour is richly deserved for a champion on and off the field, renowned broadcaster Bruce McAvaney says.

The Port Adelaide Football Club great this week became only the seventh person to be awarded legend status in the SA Sport Hall of Fame.

It was fitting considering Ebert wore the No. 7 guernsey for much of his 392-game SANFL career, which yielded a record four Magarey Medals, six club best and fairests, and three premierships from 1968-1985.

Ebert, 72, joins cricketer Sir Donald Bradman, horse trainer Bart Cummings (both 2010), fellow footballer Barrie Robran (2011), sporting all-rounder Victor Richardson, equestrian star Gillian Rolton (both 2016) and cyclist Anna Meares (2020) in being named a legend.

Robran, a long-time on-field rival and friend, and McAvaney, a member of the Hall’s selection committee, presented Ebert with the award at his home on Thursday.

Ebert and North's Barrie Robran compare their Magarey Medal collections as a prelude to their roles in a testimonial cricket match for former SA Sheffield Shield captain Les Favell, April 3, 1987. Picture by staff photographer Neon Martin / The Advertiser.

McAvaney said Ebert ticked every box.

“He was a magnificent footballer over a long period of time at a great football club and there’s a lot of things that he’s achieved,” McAvaney said.

“But the one thing that does stand out is his four Magarey Medals – it does set him at a level nobody else has been able to achieve.

“It gives him a position at the highest table in South Australian football so that brought him into the legend conversation.

“Then the way he conducted himself off the field since then and everything he’s done for charities in South Australia … he’s been a role model, a help and inspiration to so many South Australians.

“He’s in a rare group but he sits there absolutely perfectly.

“This is the highest honour a sportsperson can receive in this state, so I’m thrilled for him.”

Ebert was born in Berri and played for Loxton and Waikerie, before debuting for the Magpies at the age of 18.

His other accolades include being Port Adelaide’s all-time games record holder, winning a Jack Oatey Medal and captaining South Australia.

Ebert’s off-field contributions since his football retirement have also been significant, helping support disability services organisation Novita and the Power to End Violence Against Women youth program.

He had also been working in Port Adelaide’s community programs before he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in December.

“There are great sportspeople but a lot of them haven’t had the opportunity or desire to use their fame and influence in such a positive way as Russell,” McAvaney said.

“He’d help anybody for nothing that would increase his fame or his ego, he’s done it from the bottom of his heart.

“He did so many great things on the field but I feel like he’s been able to match that off it.”

Russell Ebert was presented his South Australian Sport Hall of Fame Legend status by Barrie Robran and Bruce McAvaney. Picture Jordan Bianchini from PAFC

McAvaney said the hour spent at Ebert’s place with Robran was uplifting as the two humble football champions recounted a host of favourite playing memories.

“I hadn’t seen Russell in a little while and we know he’s going through incredibly difficult times and having to fight so hard,” he said.

“It was unforgettable and an incredible honour and privilege for me to be there.

“Robran and Ebert, they’ve been in the same sentence forever and there’d been a lot of arguments when they were playing as to who was the greatest.

“We try and spread the list among a lot of sports but with the hold football has in the state, Robran and Ebert go together perfectly.”

Former Port Adelaide teammate and coach John Cahill said he was really happy for Ebert – and his wife Di – that he had been recognised.

“He thoroughly deserves it,” Cahill said.

Cahill said he could tell very early in Ebert’s career that he was going to be a special player, describing dedication, skills, balance, acceleration as among his standout qualities.

“Rarely was he ever beat,” Cahill said. “He was a pleasure to coach.”

Ebert said he felt uncomfortable being elevated above others but believed it was recognition of the contribution of his family, the club and community along the way.

“These types of awards are for everyone, no matter what small or large part they have played, and so I thank everyone for their contribution to my journey and in this acknowledgment.,” Ebert said.

Port Adelaide Football Club great Russell Ebert thanks fans for all the support after his cancer diagnosis. Picture: PAFC

The criteria for a nominee to be elevated to legend status includes holding a revered place within their community, having deeds that border on mythical folklore, living by a code of values that are inspiring and being defiant in the face of adversity.

Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said Ebert was “all this and so much more”.

“We continue to marvel at Russell’s incredible list of achievements and I know the entire Port Adelaide and South Australian community will join me in congratulating him” Richardson said.

Ebert also coached Port Adelaide and Woodville, as well as played 25 VFL games for North Melbourne in 1979.

He is also a member of the Australian and SA football halls of fame, as well as Port Adelaide’s.

For the club’s 150th anniversary last year, a panel formed by The Advertiser ranked him as Port Adelaide’s greatest ever player.

The SA Sport Hall of Fame will announce its latest inductees next month before holding its annual presentation event in February.