PREMIERSHIP defender Roger Delaney’s exemplary service to Port Adelaide has been recognised with his induction into the club’s Hall of Fame.
From the club’s heartland as a Port District junior, Delaney played 208 SANFL games for Port Adelaide between 1984 and 1997, most as a reliable and consistent long-kicking full-back.
Despite a stint at Fitzroy in the AFL in 1990, Delaney was part of Port Adelaide’s grand final wins in 1988, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1996.
Such was his consistency that he was recognised in both 1992 and 1993 with the Max Porter Memorial Trophy as the club’s most consistent player.
He formed a formidable partnership with fellow defender George Fiacchi, leading to the duo being dubbed “Batman and Robin” by media and supporters alike.
Fiacchi was elevated into the club’s Hall of Fame at the most recent induction ceremony in 2019.
Speaking at Port Adelaide’s Season Launch and Hall of Fame event at Adelaide Oval’s Magarey Room on Wednesday night, Delaney said it was a special honour to join his good mate and be recognised among club champions in the Hall of Fame.
“It is an amazing honour to be here. I wondered whether I’d ever make it,” Delaney said, thanking his family, coaches and teammates for their support and crediting his father for his kicking skills.
“I’ve never wanted for anything at the club. It was all just about playing footy but this is one of the things I hoped before I die that I could get into. I’m just so honoured and I really appreciate this.
“I’m really proud Rohan (Smith) and I are here (being inducted) together. I played with some real champions and I feel lucky and blessed that I was able to play alongside them.”
Fiacchi announced Delaney’s induction in a video tribute in which he described Delaney as a courageous and skilful star, deserving of the honour.
“Roger had a few assets that not many footballers had; an amazing kick in particular, which I was often the beneficiary of,” Fiacchi said of his great mate.
“But he was also a warrior, very competitive and you always knew what you’d get from Roger. You could trust him when the ball came in to neutralise it or take off.
“Roger and I trusted each other and knew what each other would do. He was a courageous player but because he was so skilful he didn’t have to rely on his courage to get the ball.
“Football is a team game but this recognises some of the stars of the game and of the club, and Roger was one of those stars.”
Roger Delaney
Games: 208 (SANFL) 1984, 1987-1989, 1991-1997 (1 AFL game with Fitzroy in 1990)
Goals: 13 (SANFL)
6x premiership player (1988, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996)
1992, 1993 Max Porter Memorial Trophy as most consistent
