FOUR-TIME Magarey Medallist and Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert was recognised by the AFL Coaches Association, rewarded for his contribution to football with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the AFL Coaches Association awards evening on Tuesday 27 September.

Born in Berri, South Australia, Ebert debuted for the Port Adelaide Football Club in the SANFL in 1968 at the tender age of 18.

He made an immediate impression, winning the club leading goalkicking in his debut season. He followed that with the first of his four Magarey Medal as well as a club Best and Fairest in 1971.

A premiership hero in 1977, 1980 and 1981, he won Magarey Medals in 1974, 1976 and 1980 and was declared the club Best and Fairest in 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977 and 1981.

Ebert is the only player in the SANFL to have won four Magarey Medals.

Ebert was headhunted by many VFL sides, finally signing with North Melbourne for one season 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.

Ebert's playing career spanned a total of 452 senior games for Port Adelaide, North Melbourne and as a representative for the South Australian state side.

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 also coached South Australia’s State of Origin side in 1996, 1997, 1998

He has a long commitment to junior development, coaching South Australia’s Teal Cup (Under 17/Under 18) team between 1991 and 1999, winning the National Championships in 1991 and 1995.

Ebert was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996.