IN the newest episode of MG Moments, Port Adelaide star Bruce Abernethy recalls a moment of camaraderie that stuck with him throughout his time at Alberton.
Abernethy enjoyed a decorated career at Port, collecting an incredible seven premiership medallions during his time with the club.
However, he remembers the first came as a fresh-faced teenager in 1979 after the club’s grand final triumph over South Adelaide.
“I was lucky enough to play league when I was 17 and still doing year 12 at Woodville High School,” Abernethy recalled.
“We played, we won, we celebrated.
“I woke up Monday morning and thought I’ve got to go to school.”
However, while Abba was hitting the books, his teammates were hitting the local pubs and enjoying some celebratory drinks after the traditional revealing of the West End Chimney earlier that morning.
“(I) get to lunch time and I had a chemistry class about two o’clock in the afternoon,” Abernethy explained.
“Suddenly there was this big commotion outside of the school.
“There was people running up and down corridors, jumping up and down and looking through doors.
“Suddenly the door opens and the imposing figure of Dave Granger steps in.
“He looks at (my teacher) Mr Burford and he looks at me and points at me and goes, ‘We’re taking him’.
“Mr Burford says, ‘Whatever you say Mr Granger, no worries’ and I grab my bag and they drag me out.”
All these years later it is not the premiership celebrations themselves that left an impression on Abernethy, but rather how his team-mates cared enough to ensure he was included.
“They got me on the bus and off we went,” he said.
“My lasting memory was my team didn’t forget me. They came and got me.”
Watch the latest episode of MG Moments below and stay tuned to portadelaidefc.com.au for more every Tuesday and Thursday as Port Adelaide celebrates its 150th year.
