SANFL mourns the passing of Russell Ebert

The SANFL and South Australian Football Commission are deeply saddened by the passing of South Australian Football Hall of Fame Member Russell Ebert OAM.

Chairman of the SA Football Commission Rob Kerin tonight paid tribute to Russell, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to grace the field in South Australia.

“Russell was a champion of the game in our state. He has left an indelible mark on the game through his on-field brilliance as the only player to win four Magarey Medals,” Mr Kerin said.

SANFL Chief Executive Officer Darren Chandler said Russell was committed to developing the game whilst caring for those less fortunate.

“Russell made a significant contribution at both the SANFL and at Port Adelaide Football Club and his work throughout the community rivals his achievements on the ground,” Mr Chandler said.

An inaugural member of the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996, Russell played 392 games for Port Adelaide, played in three premierships, won six best-and-fairests and was only last month elevated to Legend status in the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame. He was an inaugural inductee into the South Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

SANFL and the SA Football Commission express their deepest sympathies to the Ebert family and the Port Adelaide Football Club community while honouring his outstanding contribution to the game in South Australia.