Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert opens up on blood cancer diagnosis

After Russell Ebert was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, he spoke about the positives he'd taken from the difficult journey.

EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was first published on June 6, 2021

Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert has called his blood cancer diagnosis “a big shock to the system” that has made him appreciate each day as it comes.

In his first public interview since being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in December,

Ebert said he had been overwhelmed by the outpouring of well-wishes he had received.

The Australian Football Hall of Fame member and four-time Magarey medallist has been undergoing treatment, stepping away from his work in Port Adelaide’s community programs to focus on his health.

After “terrific support” from specialists at the Ashford and Royal Adelaide hospitals, the 71-year-old is back home, where it is “far more comfortable” and he is able to “carry on as we can”.

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

“Certainly turned things on its head back in December,” Ebert told Port Adelaide’s website, during a 44-minute interview.

“It’s been a big shock to the system after having so many years of good health, but there’s people who are worse off and don’t get a chance.

“The support from the club and the community has been sensational.

“They’ve allowed the privacy and the treatment to happen and I’ve really appreciated that.

“They’ve gone down and donated blood, donated platelets at the Red Cross, when they may not have been involved previously.

“So yeah, out of something not so good there’s been a few positives.”

Ebert said his diagnosis had brought home the importance of health and how quickly things could change.

“So appreciate each day as it comes,” he said.

“Enjoy it and care about others.”

Widely regarded as one of South Australia’s greatest footballers, Ebert’s football CV also includes won three SANFL premierships, six club best and fairest awards, a Jack Oatey Medal and Port Adelaide’s games record with 392 matches.

Last year The Advertiser formed a panel to determine the best player in Port Adelaide’s 150-year history and Ebert was a unanimous number one.

Russell Ebert, Greg Phillips and Brian Cunningham hold aloft the Thomas Seymour Hill trophy in 1980.

Ebert is widely regarded as Port Adelaide’s greatest ever player. Picture: Marc Fallander

Ebert, who joined Port Adelaide after playing for Waikerie and Loxton, said his diagnosis had prompted much reflection.

His son Brett played 166 games for the Power, his nephew Brad featured in 260 matches for Port Adelaide and West Coast before retiring at the end of last year, while his brother Craig also lined up for the Magpies.

“To get the opportunities we’ve had here (in SA and Australia), it makes you really appreciate and understand how blessed we are,” said the Berri-born star, who made his SANFL debut as an 18-year-old in 1968.

“Children, opportunities, grandchildren.

“Out of this negative, it makes you reflect and you go back over 52, 53 years of being involved at the Port Adelaide footy club – and not only the Port Adelaide footy club, Loxton footy club, Waikerie footy club – and then to come down and be involved with the Port Adelaide Football Club, we just have been blessed.”

Ebert has been a regular blood and plasma donor but has been unable to do so while unwell.

He and his family have continued to encourage people to donate through a special team “Team Russell” at their local Red Cross Lifeblood Donor Centre.

Ebert said he was brought up to look after others.

“I felt that you’ve gotta give back, you’ve gotta care about other people and if you can do that that’s what you should be doing and that’s the right thing to do,” he said.

The wide-ranging interview also featured Ebert talking plenty about football.

He named Port Adelaide’s 1977 premiership, which he captained and ended a 12-year drought for the club, as a career highlight.

“Some people pick out a situation or their first game, but ‘77 was such a monumental year,” he said.

“You can chuck in medals and state games, but when you win that premiership you win it for the whole club, you win it for every supporter.

“I played in the (losing) ‘68 grand final, ‘71 grand final, ‘72 grand final, and then the debacle in ‘76.

“So ‘77 was just so, so vital for everyone.”

Brett Ebert, left, and Brad Ebert donating blood last year. Picture: Matt Turner.

Ebert said he was watching the Power’s games and liked the way the team, which had eight wins and three losses, was playing this season.

“A couple of rule changes have quickened the game up, which I think suits our style,” he said.

“They’ve recruited pretty well, the coaches are doing a pretty good job and we’re well positioned.

“Are we good enough to win the grand final?

“We’re around the mark, it depends on injuries, a bit of form, a bit of luck.”

Ebert closed the interview with another thank you.

“You very rarely get an opportunity to tell people – whether they’re one, two, three, four years of age or whether they’re the grandma that’s still knitting black and white, and adding a bit of teal to their scarfs and rugs – you rarely get the opportunity to say how privileged it’s been to run out on to the ground, give you some enjoyment,” he said.

“A sincere, sincere thank you for all of the support you’ve given us over the years and I look forward to it ongoing.

“Onward and upwards.”

To book time to donate blood or plasma at the Red Cross please call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.

Originally published as Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert opens up on blood cancer diagnosis