Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert diagnosed with leukaemia

Port Adelaide Football Club legend Russell Ebert has been diagnosed with cancer after a routine check-up.

Russell Ebert (left), with Alicia Beik and Professor Richard Bruggemann at the 2021 SA Local Hero awards in October. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Port Adelaide Football Club legend Russell Ebert has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia.

SANFL’s only four-time Magarey Medal winner had his condition diagnosed during a recent routine health check with his doctor and has started intensive treatment.

Ebert, 71, has suspended his role with Port’s community programs to undergo medical treatment to tackle the disease that affects the blood and bone marrow.

Ebert was looking as strong and as fit as ever last week when he delivered a moving eulogy at Alberton Oval for sporting legend and former Magpies teammate Eric Freeman, who died suddenly aged 76.

In a statement, Port said Ebert would be given as much time off as he needed and asked that he be given privacy while fighting the disease.

“Russell and his family thank those who have already made contact to pass on their support and well wishes,’’ the statement read.

Port legend Russell Ebert with players Trent Burgoyne and Jackson Mead. Picture: AAP / Morgan Sette

Russell Ebert with, David Granger and Port coach John Cahill after defeating Glenelg in the 1981 SANFL grand final.

“He would like to, in particular, thank the members and supporters of the Port Adelaide Football Club for their wonderful support over so many years.

“The club asks everyone to respect the privacy of Russell and his extended family at this time so they can focus on his treatment.’’

Berri-born Ebert was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996 and is regarded as one of South Australia’s greatest players.

He played a club record 392 SANFL games for the Magpies from 1965-85 and 25 VFL matches with North Melbourne in 1979.

Russell Ebert marks over Glenelg’s Peter Marker in a 1974 preliminary final at Football Park.

t also represented SA 29 times. Apart from winning the Magarey Medal in 1971, 1974, 1976 and 1980, he won Port’s best and fairest award six times (in 1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1981) and captained the Magpies to the 1977 premiership.

He also played in Port’s 1980 and 1981 flag sides, winning the Jack Oatey Medal as best afield in the ’81 grand final win against Glenelg.

Named centreman in Port’s greatest ever team from 1870-2000, Ebert captained the club from 1974-78 and was captain-coach from 1983-1985, guiding the club to the ’84 losing grand final against Norwood. He retired as a player in 1986 and coached the club the same year and 1987.

Ebert also coached SANFL club Woodville from 1988-90 and SA’s State of Origin team in 1996, 1997 and 1998.

Son Brett won the 2003 Magarey Medal as a Port player, while nephew Brad played 260 AFL games, including 184 with Port and 76 for West Coast.

Originally published as Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert diagnosed with leukaemia