RUSSELL EBERT’s wife Dian has expressed her family’s gratitude and thanks for all of the gifts and messages of support they have received since the Port Adelaide legend’s passing.

Ebert died after an eleven-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on Friday 5 November.

He was farewelled at a state funeral in front of four thousand people at Alberton Oval and countless others watching and listening to live television, streaming and radio broadcasts.

Dian Ebert reached out to the Port Adelaide Football Club seeking a way to send her thanks to all of those who attended the funeral and who have expressed their condolences since her husband’s passing.

“I’d like to thank all of those supporters and members who came out,” she said.

“It was just fantastic to look up into that stand and see all of those prison bars and duffel coats and even the past players doing their guard of honour at the end.

“All of the messages, the flowers, the cards… I just can’t answer all of these back, and I’ve just been trying to find a way to say thank you for all of it.”

Mrs Ebert said she and her family were overwhelmed by the number of people in attendance and at how well the funeral was organised, sparing a special thanks for the State Government and the people who put the event together.

“The State Government were wonderful. I didn’t expect everything they did and the people who ran the funeral were amazing,” she said.

“They didn’t leave any stone unturned. Everything was perfect. If I had my time again, I don’t think I would change anything.

“I think it was just great that it was a celebration because Russell wouldn’t have wanted everyone crying and carrying on.

“People had a bit of a laugh with some jokes about him. That’s how he would have wanted it. Just honouring him.”

Among those who have been in touch include former teammates and rivals alike.

Mrs Ebert said many of the flowers and other memorabilia left at Alberton Oval or Adelaide Oval had made their way to her, and she was very grateful.

Russell Ebert was an avid blood donor and while unable to continue during his illness, was heavily reliant on donations himself.

Mrs Ebert appreciated everyone who had made donations of blood or plasma, or financial donation to causes close to her husband’s heart.

“We would also like to thank everyone who has made a donation to the Leukemia Foundation or Red Cross,” she explained.

“If those people did not donate blood and platelets or plasma, Russell wouldn’t have had those eleven precious months with us.

“We’re just so grateful.”