Russell Ebert farewelled in state funeral by family, friends and fans at Alberton Oval
Thousands have turned out to farewell Port legend Russell Ebert at his state funeral, where he was remembered as “a man whose life was devoted to others” and a “champion in every sense”.
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More than 4000 mourners gathered at Alberton Oval on Tuesday to farewell one of the ground’s favourite sons – Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert.
A week and a half after his death, aged 72, Ebert’s incredible life was celebrated with an 80-minute state funeral at a place he created everlasting memories.
Large banners with the numbers 7 and 1 were draped over the Power’s headquarters, where Ebert had worked until his leukaemia diagnosis last December, fronting the club’s community youth programs he helped establish in 1999.
On that same side of the ground, Power and Magpies flags flew at half-mast for the player almost universally considered Port Adelaide’s greatest.
Much of the crowd entered the service via the Russell Ebert gate on the western side of the oval.
Some attendees wore duffel coats with Ebert’s name and number on the back.
Others had No. 7 prison-bar guernseys or jumpers with No. 1, which the four-time Magarey medallist donned in eight seasons as Magpies captain.
There were hundreds who had black-and-white scarfs, while some were in rival clubs’ merchandise, paying their respects to one of SA football’s best ever players.
Ebert’s children, Tammie, Ben and Brett, spoke of learning of their father’s footy talent, his compassion for others, their memories of growing up and how he fought leukaemia with a positive mindset.
You can watch a replay of a live stream of the service below, thanks to 7 NEWS.
“Russell, Russ, Herb, Ebo, god, but to us we had the privilege of calling him our Dad,” daughter Tammie said.
“His legacy is a testament to his ability to forge a reputation which extended far beyond the football field and into people’s lives.”
Brett, who played 166 games for the Power and won the 2003 Magarey Medal, added: “Every time he was dealt a blow, he would reset and say ‘onwards and upwards’ or ‘it is what it is’, and take on the next challenge.
“He did everything in his power to make each day matter, as he did for everyone else over the past 72 years.
“The world has lost a man whose life was devoted to others.”
Ben said his dad’s ability to remember something about everyone he met was astonishing, as was his knowledge of South Australia’s best bakeries.
Former Magpies teammate Peter Woite said Ebert was “a man of unmatched talent”.
“As our captain he led by example – and what an example it was,” Woite said.
“He was a champion in every sense of the word.”
The service began with a Welcome to Country from Kaurna man Mickey O’Brien, who played with and under Ebert at the Magpies.
Ebert’s brother, Bill, then talked about how the siblings would go rabbit-hunting in Alawoona and their waterskiing mischief on the River Murray in Loxton.
He paid tribute to his brother for following their father’s advice to “do at least one good deed for somebody every day … and always visit the elderly and disadvantaged as much as possible”.
Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson said Ebert had two Hall of Fame careers.
“As a footballer and as a person giving back to the community,” Richardson said, referring to his off-field work at the club, along with his dedication to charities such as Novita.
Berri-born Ebert arrived at Alberton from the Riverland in 1968 and went on to play in a club record 392 games.
His football accolades also included captaining South Australia, a club record six best and fairests and three flags.
Last month he became the seventh person elevated to legend status of the SA Sport Hall of Fame.
The funeral book featured a photo of Ebert holding the 1977 premiership cup after the drought-breaking win over Glenelg – his first grand final triumph and one he regarded as his favourite football memory.
Career highlights played on big screens during the service, showcasing the Australian Football Hall of Famer’s prowess.
Among them were pinpoint passes, his famous long handballs, goalkicking exploits, Magarey wins, state games, his season at North Melbourne in 1979 and his time as coach.
Former teammate and Magpies captain Tim Ginever said Ebert was the idol of so many Port Adelaide barrackers during the 1970s.
“Everyone would be arguing about who was going to be number seven in the school team,” Ginever said.
Ginever also told how his friend’s wit remained sharp during his leukaemia battle, as evidenced when he sent him a photo last month of marking over the bronze Ebert statue at Adelaide Oval.
“I said ‘what about this Russ, me taking a hanger over you’,” he said.
“As quick as a flash he said ‘yeah Timmy, but look who’s got the ball’.
“Russell has left us physically but we know spiritually he lives on here forever.
“Number 7 has gone to heaven but our favourite son will always be number 1,” Ginever said.
Once the service ended, the hearse with Ebert’s coffin, draped in black and teal, did a lap around the oval, making its way through guard of honour, formed by dozens of past and present Port Adelaide, along the boundary.
As the Magpies’ song, Cheer Cheer the Black and the White, then the Power’s theme played over the speakers, the crowd applauded the champion one last time.
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Originally published as Russell Ebert farewelled in state funeral by family, friends and fans at Alberton Oval
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