Port Adelaide Stories

[70sDinosaur]

Lots of interesting stuff here about Ivan Eckermann and of course his performance in the 1977 GF is legendary.

But one of my favourite memories of him came in the 1979 GF when he picked up Eddie Fry's boot (which had come off during the play) and threw it into the crowd!

Nice way to get your opponent off balance!

 

[beenreal]

As a junior, I went to a post training BBQ at Russell's house in '87. Sat in awe listening to stories till late into the night.

David Baker told one about a Poker game involving D Granger and an unfortunate guy on a lucky streak. Apparently every time the bloke won a hand, Granger would spit on him. He ended up soaked.

 

[SYDpower]

OK, have another one.
It might have been either late eighties or early nineties, again about to win another threepeat of premierships. I was working with Fritzy Freeman (as we called him) at Bank SA.

It was a pre Grand Final breakfast (held a couple of days before the big day) being held at one of the branches in the Western Suburbs (Eric had responsibility for Western Suburbs and I worked with the guy who had the City branches - but Eric knew how much of a Port supporter I was) and I went along with Fritzy as he had organised for some Port players to come along.

One of them was Russell Johnston (can't remember who the other one was). We had such a good time at the breakfast which went well into mid morning that Russell invited us to his pub at the time (I think it was the Prince of Wales) and we had a brilliant time. I don't think I did anywork that day at all! We had the front bar ticking over so well and it was just a great atmosphere.

 

[Concussion]

OK, have another one.
It might have been either late eighties or early nineties, again about to win another threepeat of premierships. I was working with Fritzy Freeman (as we called him) at Bank SA.

It was a pre Grand Final breakfast (held a couple of days before the big day) being held at one of the branches in the Western Suburbs (Eric had responsibility for Western Suburbs and I worked with the guy who had the City branches - but Eric knew how much of a Port supporter I was) and I went along with Fritzy as he had organised for some Port players to come along.

One of them was Russell Johnston (can't remember who the other one was). We had such a good time at the breakfast which went well into mid morning that Russell invited us to his pub at the time (I think it was the Prince of Wales) and we had a brilliant time. I don't think I did anywork that day at all! We had the front bar ticking over so well and it was just a great atmosphere.

What did you think of RJ? I worked with him in the 90s in the mines, I really liked him but not a lot of people were as fond of him.

 

[Ebert80]

I don't reckon Carl Dilena would think much of Russell Johnston

I never met Johnston, but as a player, I think he was in the top 5 or so players at the club in the mid to late 80's, in terms of, if he was out on any given match day, we would seriously miss him. The others I would put in that category would be Phillips, Delaney, D Smith, Hodges and Abernethy (not necessarily in that order).

 

[Jabsy]

OK, have another one.
It might have been either late eighties or early nineties, again about to win another threepeat of premierships. I was working with Fritzy Freeman (as we called him) at Bank SA.

It was a pre Grand Final breakfast (held a couple of days before the big day) being held at one of the branches in the Western Suburbs (Eric had responsibility for Western Suburbs and I worked with the guy who had the City branches - but Eric knew how much of a Port supporter I was) and I went along with Fritzy as he had organised for some Port players to come along.

One of them was Russell Johnston (can't remember who the other one was). We had such a good time at the breakfast which went well into mid morning that Russell invited us to his pub at the time (I think it was the Prince of Wales) and we had a brilliant time. I don't think I did anywork that day at all! We had the front bar ticking over so well and it was just a great atmosphere.

I had many beers with Fritz back in the old days at the bank, he was a good lad. I'd say the western suburbs branches were well renowned for their beer drinking abilities, but so were the northern, southern, eastern, western and country branches... State/SBSA/BankSA were well trained in the intake of amber fluids.

Russell used to have that pub across from the Port CopShop from memory - was it the Royal Arms? I dont remember the names these days with all that bank-sponsored drinking.

 

[70sDinosaur]

I don't reckon Carl Dilena would think much of Russell Johnston

I never met Johnston, but as a player, I think he was in the top 5 or so players at the club in the mid to late 80's, in terms of, if he was out on any given match day, we would seriously miss him. The others I would put in that category would be Phillips, Delaney, D Smith, Hodges and Abernethy (not necessarily in that order).

I used to work with Carl Dilena some years ago here in Melbourne. He knew I was a Port fan and we did discuss the Johnston incident. Carl was a good bloke and he didn't seem to hold any grudges. I think most blokes who played in that era tended to accept these things as part of the game (unless you were a Glenelg player, in which case you could give it but not take it).

 

[Onward To Victory]

Loving all the memories here guys!

Can anyone recommend any good books about Port Adelaide's history? As a younger supporter, I've wanted to read some of the stories about our past glories for a while now but haven't been able to find any books to buy online. This thread has sparked my desire to have another hunt! Cheers.

 

[RussellEbertHandball]

Loving all the memories here guys!

Can anyone recommend any good books about Port Adelaide's history? As a younger supporter, I've wanted to read some of the stories about our past glories for a while now but haven't been able to find any books to buy online. This thread has sparked my desire to have another hunt! Cheers.

I've put links to sites that still sell the book but they might be expensive. The state library will have copies

Dynasty Fos Williamms + Rucci
http://www.blaqbooks.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&path=51_110&product_id=2899

John Wood wrote this book first. He was the club Historian for about 15 years.
http://www.quicksales.com.au/ad/bound-for-glory-story-of-the-port-adelaide-football-club/7308084

John Wood then wrote this book but passed away before he could finish off the club's history.

Simply the best : the story of the Port Adelaide Football Club. John Wood. - Part 1, 1870-1901 /

http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/21348206?selectedversion=NBD11773699


100 years with the Magpies : the story of the Port Adelaide Football Club 1870-1970 / written and edited by A.R. McLean

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Port-Adelaide-Magpies-SANFL-The-Story-Of-Port-Adelaide-100-Years-1870-1970-/181207589247?nma=true&si=pXQRg7%2BoYYYIWc9fNaB0k81zOKU%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Bruce Abernethy's book
http://www.blaqbooks.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&path=51_110&product_id=2827

Not a lot of stories but great pictures worth buying just for them if you haven't done so already. It came out in 2011. You can buy from the megastore

https://shopdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&ProductID=19092&OrgID=1750

Another John Wood book. Gentleman Jack : the Johnny Cahill story 1958-82

http://www.abebooks.com/Gentleman-Jack-Johnny-Cahill-Story-1958-82/3326167519/bd

John Wood also wrote this book about Magarey Medalists which Port had plenty . It goes up to 1987 winner.

http://www.blaqbooks.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=2272

The power of many : the inside story of Port Power's first year

http://www.abebooks.co.uk/power-story-Port-Powers-first-year/2627047602/bd

m

 

[Onward To Victory]

I've put links to sites that still sell the book but they might be expensive. The state library will have copies

Dynasty Fos Williamms + Rucci
http://www.blaqbooks.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&path=51_110&product_id=2899

John Wood wrote this book first. He was the club Historian for about 15 years.
http://www.quicksales.com.au/ad/bound-for-glory-story-of-the-port-adelaide-football-club/7308084

John Wood then wrote this book but passed away before he could finish off the club's history.

Simply the best : the story of the Port Adelaide Football Club. John Wood. - Part 1, 1870-1901 /

http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/21348206?selectedversion=NBD11773699


100 years with the Magpies : the story of the Port Adelaide Football Club 1870-1970 / written and edited by A.R. McLean

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Port-Adelaide-Magpies-SANFL-The-Story-Of-Port-Adelaide-100-Years-1870-1970-/181207589247?nma=true&si=pXQRg7%2BoYYYIWc9fNaB0k81zOKU%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Bruce Abernethy's book
http://www.blaqbooks.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&path=51_110&product_id=2827

Not a lot of stories but great pictures worth buying just for them if you haven't done so already. It came out in 2011. You can buy from the megastore

https://shopdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product&ProductID=19092&OrgID=1750

Another John Wood book. Gentleman Jack : the Johnny Cahill story 1958-82

http://www.abebooks.com/Gentleman-Jack-Johnny-Cahill-Story-1958-82/3326167519/bd

John Wood also wrote this book about Magarey Medalists which Port had plenty . It goes up to 1987 winner.

http://www.blaqbooks.com.au/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=2272

The power of many : the inside story of Port Power's first year

http://www.abebooks.co.uk/power-story-Port-Powers-first-year/2627047602/bd

m

Wow, that's awesome REH! And much appreciated Plenty there to keep me busy for a while!

 

[Onward To Victory]

And I look forward to one day reading the book about our current group too! Has all the makings for a ripping tale.

 

[RussellEbertHandball]

Wow, that's awesome REH! And much appreciated Plenty there to keep me busy for a while!

I actually looked up the John Wood books last Monday. I read the last one linked in about 1999. It's rarely mentioned. It's from the woman who headed up the first woman in power group - I think that was the group's name. Its a bit different to your normal footy books but that's what makes it interesting.

 

[Lockhart Road]

Dave Granger managed to aggravate Peter Marker so much that the normally mild-mannered scrupulously fair Glenelg lawyer was reported and suspended for striking Dave.

Peter Marker caught in the act of missing a mild-mannered lawyerly head-high tackle on the Great Man's right knee - Marker's head, that is.

 

[SYDpower]

Can't help myself, need to recall 1981 season.

Everyone thought we couldnt back up for another premiership. We had lost Mark Williams to Collingwood and Milan Filetic to St. Kilda a the end of the 1980 season. Greg Phillips had also severly injured himself at the preseason and was slated to miss at least half a season.

Glenelg was sitting on top of the ladder and we were due to meet them a the Bay. I dont think they had lost a game to that point. Greg Phillips was making his comeback for the season.

What can I say - amazing...I distinctly remember the game and how Greg just killed it that day and Tony Giles suddenly played out of his skin. Tony just had to have Greg Phillips by his side. It was a partnership that i think still lives to this day (I am told they are still very close friends). The game was also meritorious in that I remember David Granger kicking a goal from centre half back on Glenelg Oval (or at leas the wing position!). It was Glenelg's first defeat of the season.

We of course went onto win the Grand Final that year. Our third in a row. But not only did we win the Grand Final by some 51 points, we absolutely carved everyone up in the Finals. Even though Glenelg were minor premiers, Port were just too good come finals.

I found a short clip on the 1981 Grand Final on You tube. Fantastic footage although it was only the latter parts of the game. What struck me was just how clean David Granger was with the ball. We sometimes forget just how good a footballer he was and to me had one of the best bodies for a centra half forward.

 

[SYDpower]

What did you think of RJ? I worked with him in the 90s in the mines, I really liked him but not a lot of people were as fond of him.

Really liked him. He was fantastic with us that day and I bumped into him a few times in the following years and he always remembered that day. Just really likeable.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

Can't help myself, need to recall 1981 season.

Everyone thought we couldnt back up for another premiership. We had lost Mark Williams to Collingwood and Milan Filetic to St. Kilda a the end of the 1980 season. Greg Phillips had also severly injured himself at the preseason and was slated to miss at least half a season.

Glenelg was sitting on top of the ladder and we were due to meet them a the Bay. I dont think they had lost a game to that point. Greg Phillips was making his comeback for the season.

What can I say - amazing...I distinctly remember the game and how Greg just killed it that day and Tony Giles suddenly played out of his skin. Tony just had to have Greg Phillips by his side. It was a partnership that i think still lives to this day (I am told they are still very close friends). The game was also meritorious in that I remember David Granger kicking a goal from centre half back on Glenelg Oval (or at leas the wing position!). It was Glenelg's first defeat of the season.

We of course went onto win the Grand Final that year. Our third in a row. But not only did we win the Grand Final by some 51 points, we absolutely carved everyone up in the Finals. Even though Glenelg were minor premiers, Port were just too good come finals.

I found a short clip on the 1981 Grand Final on You tube. Fantastic footage although it was only the latter parts of the game. What struck me was just how clean David Granger was with the ball. We sometimes forget just how good a footballer he was and to me had one of the best bodies for a centra half forward.

Macca and I have done write ups for the PAFC website of a few memorable grand finals that we have witnessed if you are interested in reliving a few of these classic memories.

Here's mine on this very grand final. Check through the thread for more.

 

[SYDpower]

Macca and I have done write ups for the PAFC website of a few memorable grand finals that we have witnessed if you are interested in reliving a few of these classic memories.

Here's mine on this very grand final. Check through the thread for more.

Thanks Ford - the write up is far more eloquent. And thanks for confirming about David Granger's goal from the wing at the Bay. I remember like it was only yesterday - I was quite young at the time but it left such a lingering memory with me, that as the years go on I keep thinking I must have dreamt it!

 

[Ford Fairlane]

Thanks Ford - the write up is far more eloquent. And thanks for confirming about David Granger's goal from the wing at the Bay. I remember like it was only yesterday - I was quite young at the time but it left such a lingering memory with me, that as the years go on I keep thinking I must have dreamt it!

Like all great goals it travels further each time the story is told. Bomber Clifford has at least 2 x 90m goals in grand finals.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

bump

 

[charcolechaddy]

Macca and I have done write ups for the PAFC website of a few memorable grand finals that we have witnessed if you are interested in reliving a few of these classic memories.

Here's mine on this very grand final. Check through the thread for more.

Has anyone done a book on 1990, would love to hear the real story behind this year of footbal, not just the Graham Cornes version.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

Has anyone done a book on 1990, would love to hear the real story behind this year of footbal, not just the Graham Cornes version.

Here's my post on the events of 1990 from the Port Adelaide Premiership thread. Bit of detail there.

PS I fixed the link in the post you quoted - it was directing to the wrong thread.

 

[Jim Dixon]

Here's my post on the events of 1990 from the Port Adelaide Premiership thread. Bit of detail there.

PS I fixed the link in the post you quoted - it was directing to the wrong thread.

On Netflix last year I saw United, a TV movie about Manchester United, Sir Matt Busby and the Munich air disaster. It was an okay movie but it was superb propaganda for Manchester United. The whole Munich disaster and the way that the club recovered from it, leading up to the 1968 European Championship, is a massive myth/legend that gives (or gave) that club so much energy.

1990 is our myth/legend and when the club has a bit more money/contacts we should get a made for TV movie made, so that we can tell our story. And get it dubbed into Cantonese and get Lockhard Road to get it broadcast in China so we can get 20 million casual fans instantly. (well, I can dream.)

 

[charcolechaddy]

Here's my post on the events of 1990 from the Port Adelaide Premiership thread. Bit of detail there.

PS I fixed the link in the post you quoted - it was directing to the wrong thread.

Now worries found it, what a great read would love to read that article from dick Joan's much appriciated!