Russell Ebert

Russell Ebert is acknowledged as one of the greatest players in the long history of Australian Rules football.

Born in Berri, South Australia, Ebert debuted for the Port Adelaide Magpies in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL) as an 18 year old in 1968 and immediately made an impression, winning the club leading goalkicking in his debut season. He followed that with a Magarey Medal (awarded to the best and fairest player in the SANFL) and club Best & Fairest double in 1971 and further honours over the proceeding decade and a half, including premierships in 1977, 1980 and 1981, Magarey Medals in 1974, 1976 and 1980 and club Best and Fairests in 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1981.

Victorian Football League clubs chased Ebert for a decade until North Melbourne finally won his signature and he spent a season with the Kangaroos in 1979 before returning to Port Adelaide, where his 392 games remains a club record.

Ebert captained Port Adelaide from 1974-1978 and 1983-1985, as well as captaining the South Australian side in 1975, 1977 and 1983. Upon his retirement in 1983, Ebert took over the coaching role at Port Adelaide until 1987 and then acted as coach of fellow SANFL side Woodville Football Club from 1988 to 1990.

Ebert's brother Craig also played for Port Adelaide and son Brett currently plays for Port Adelaide in the Australian Football League.