THE PORT ADELAIDE Football Club is mourning the loss of life member and three-time premiership player Bob Philp, who passed away late last month.
Robert “Bob” David Philp came through the colts at Port Adelaide and made his league debut in 1958, going on to kick 118 goals in 133 SANFL games, plus one state game for South Australia.
Part of Port Adelaide’s 1962 premiership side, the strongly built ruck kicked three goals in the 1963 Grand Final success and was also one of the club’s best in its 1965 premiership winning team.
After spending 1967 coaching in Ararat, Philp returned to Alberton for one final season in 1968.
In 2019 he was part of the 1962, '63 and '65 premiership winning teams that were inducted into the Port Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame in the teams category.
Bob Philp will be fondly remembered for his on-field success at Port Adelaide but his contribution off-field has been just as significant.
In 2006, when the SANFL club was struggling financially, Philp and a group of mates set up a fundraising lunch to raise money to buy new footballs for the Magpies.
The group became known as ‘The Swoopers’ and their lunches have continued bi-monthly ever since. ‘The Swoopers’ luncheons have since raised over $300,000 for local junior football plus various capital projects around Alberton Oval, and this legacy continues to thrive.
“Bob was a very special person and a great character who lit up the room,” said Port Adelaide Chief Executive Matthew Richardson.
“He was incredibly proud of his football club and his district, and loved sharing the stories and legends that make Port Adelaide so special.
“He played in a great era with legends of the game and of Port Adelaide, and his character off-field was just as big. Everyone who knew Bob will, I’m sure, reflect on the great stories and fun that he brought to every occasion.
“On behalf of the Port Adelaide Football Club, our thoughts and deep condolences go out to Viv and the Philp family, his former teammates and his big group of mates.
“Bob made a significant contribution to the Port Adelaide Football Club and the wider community that will endure.”
