Port Adelaide veteran and football great Russell Ebert declared 'legend' in SA Sport Hall of Fame
Russell Ebert (centre) is considered one of the greatest players in the history of Australian rules football in South Australia. (Supplied: Jordan Bianchini PAFC)
Port Adelaide Football Club champion and four-time Magarey Medallist, Russell Ebert, has been elevated to "legend" status in the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame.
Key points:
- Russell Ebert played 391 games for Port Adelaide
- He won three premierships with the club
- He won four Magarey Medals and one Jack Oatey Medal
The ever-humble Ebert, 72, was told of the honour at his home, with the presentation made by fellow football great Barrie Robran.
"Thank you so, so much … that means a lot," Ebert said.
The accolade is another feather in Ebert's highly decorated cap, which includes three SANFL premierships, six club best and fairest awards, and a Jack Oatey Medal.
Sport SA confirmed that all three committees charged with Hall of Fame inductions unanimously voted for Ebert to receive the honour of 'legend'.
Russell Ebert lifts the premiership cup after Port Adelaide's drought breaking grand final win in 1977. (Supplied: Port Adelaide Football Club)
Robran, Sport SA chief executive Leah Cassidy, broadcaster Bruce McAvaney, and Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson made the trip to Ebert's home to deliver the award personally.
"We wanted Russell and his family to know he had been elevated to 'legend' in the Hall of Fame and there was a strong sense that now is the right time to do it," Ms Cassidy said.
The announcement comes months before the annual Hall of Fame dinner in February; a decision Sport SA made due to Ebert's declining health.
The Power veteran was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia last December and has been receiving treatment since.
Robran was especially emotional when presenting the award to his former rival and close friend.
"I just want to say what a privilege and how much admiration I have for you … I'm absolutely delighted and honoured to be able to make this presentation for you," he said.
"You will leave a wonderful and lasting legacy for young sports people who aspire to be champions in the future."
A 'wonderful competitor'
Ebert played 391 games for Port Adelaide, another 25 for North Melbourne as well as 29 for South Australia.
Ebert becomes the seventh legend of the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame and only the second footballer, after Robran, who was his fiercest competitor.
"I think the first image that come to mind are of power, of strength, determination and an absolutely wonderful competitor," Robran said.
"We did stand each other a few times. You always had to be on your best concentration and your best perhaps ability because you knew you were on such a champion every time you stood him.
"Nobody who saw Russell play could say he wasn't a fair player.
"It was a pleasure to watch him play and a pleasure to be able to play against him."
Former rivals and friends, Russell Ebert and Barrie Robran are considered the two greatest Aussie rules players South Australia has produced. (Supplied: Jordan Bianchini)
'Inspiration' to community
Ebert's status as a legend was conferred not only for his deeds as a footballer.
He has been involved in charity work for more than two decades, including raising money for the children's charity Novita.
Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson also commended Ebert for his involvement in Port Adelaide's community programs.
"He's very passionate about the next generation and being an example to the next generation that if they commit themselves and work hard then they can live their dreams as he has," Richardson said.
"I know with Russell, it's never about Russell, it's always about what he can do for others.
"He is an amazing man, he still gives me call every week and it's never about Russell, it's about how are you, how's your family, what's happening at the club? He's an incredible inspiration."