Brett Ebert is among a list of eight new Life Members of the Port Adelaide Football Club, recognised for their long and outstanding service.
Ebert joined a group of staff members, support staff and volunteers who were acknowledged at the club’s 2011 Annual General Meeting on Thursday night.
The 28-year-old forward becomes a Life Member alongside his father Russell and uncle Craig, honoured for his continuing playing career with Port Adelaide’s SANFL and AFL teams.
“It’s a great honour to be given Life Membership of the great club Port Adelaide,” Brett told almost 300 members who gathered at The Port Club, Alberton.
“The Port Adelaide football club as a whole. It’s just a great club to be a part of. I feel very lucky to be here.”
After starting with the Magpies, Ebert was drafted by the Power with pick number 42 in the 2002 AFL National Draft. The following year he won the Magarey Medal before making his AFL debut in Round 2, 2004, winning a Rising Star nomination later that season.
The 28-year-old has now amassed 150 games with the Power, kicking 217 goals. Ebert’s AFL career will continue at Alberton after he re-committed to the club at the end of 2011. He has been joined in Port Adelaide’s AFL squad by cousin Brad who was traded from West Coast back to Alberton where he, too, started as a Magpie.
“To supporters and members, you’re very passionate and very loyal,” Ebert said in his acceptance speech.
“We hear a bit from the boundary line from you guys. It’s all part of it. You give us a kick in the bum when we’re down.
“I’m just Just looking forward to 2012. It’s going to be a good year with an exciting young list.”
Club chaplain Brandon Chaplin becomes a Life Member in recognition of his time as a mentor, confidant and friend to Power players dating back to the club’s entry into the AFL in 1997.
Brandon - who is also senior pastor at the Blackwood Hills Baptist Church - paid tribute to the founders, captains and coaches of the AFL club for believing in the significance of the role of a club chaplain.
It’s a behind the scenes role of dealing with players and other support staff and staff as human beings as they go through the ups and downs of life,” Brandon said in accepting Life Membership.
“And it’s been a wonderful privilege to be involved for all these years.”
Two staff members who also have served the club throughout the AFL journey are now Life Members.
Di Pounsett has worked as football operations assistant to the club’s general manager of football, fulfilling a crucial role within the on-field department.
Sean Kirchner also began his employment at Alberton in 1997 and has served in multiple roles, including foundation manager, marketing operations manager, future fund manager and special projects manager.
The Life Members were all congratulated by president Brett Duncanson, chief executive officer Keith Thomas, AFL coach Matthew Primus and SANFL coach Tony Bamford.
Full list of PAFC Life Members announced at 2011 Annual General Meeting
BRANDON CHAPLIN - club chaplain (1997 - current)
BRETT EBERT - drafted from Magpies with pick number 42 in 2002 AFL National Draft. 2003 Magarey Medallist. AFL debut Rd 2, 2004. 2007 grand final. 150 AFL games. 48 SANFL games.
SEAN KIRCHNER - foundation manager, marketing operations manager, future fund manager, special projects manager (1997 - current)
ANDREW MOSCA - Victorian player support/trainer, Melbourne game day assistant (1997 - current)
DI POUNSETT - football operations assistant to general manager football (1997 - current)
SHANE REGAN - Victorian player support/trainer, Melbourne game day assistant (1997 - current)
Dr CRAIG WHEELER - club doctor SANFL (1999 - current)
PAUL WOOLLEY - Victorian player support/trainer, Melbourne game day assistant (1997 - current)
