Much like Brad Ebert, Xavier Duursma has started to forge a reputation for himself for his courageous acts on the football field.

BRAD EBERT may no longer be playing for Port Adelaide in 2021 but his famous number seven guernsey will continue to get around on the back of a new owner.

Ebert made his retirement official on Monday after 260 AFL games.

He used a press conference to announce that he would be handing his number seven guernsey on to wingman Xavier Duursma.

“Xavier Duursma asked me if he could take the number seven off me and I was thrilled so you’ll be seeing the number seven next year, it’s just going to be on the back of Xavier Duursma,” Ebert said.

“He’s a player who plays in a similar manner – he throws himself at every contest and he’s a guy who I’ve really respected and liked as a person.

“He’s a ripping kid and he’s got a long time to come in the game. I hope to see number seven for plenty of years left.”

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Duursma all courage in three-way collision | PTV

Port Adelaide young star Xavier Duursma takes a strong mark in defence

Duursma will hand in his number 21 to move up the order after 35 games in it since he arrived during the 2018 AFL National Draft.

Ebert joked that Duursma had wasted little time in asking for the number seven, but said he knew it would be in good hands with the 20-year-old.

“He was very quick. He hadn’t really let the dust settle, had he?” Ebert laughed.

“He sent a nice little heartfelt message yesterday and then at the end of it, “also can I take your number?”

“No, it was very heartfelt and he’s a ripping kid. I couldn’t have asked for it to go to someone better.

“He’d always said the number seven was his favourite so I think he’d been eyeing it off for a while.

“I think my (sons) Leo and Henry will keep the number seven on their back because he’s a pretty good player to have the number on the back.”

Brad Ebert's career has been synonymous with courageous moments, right until his very last act on the football field.

The Ebert name and number seven are iconic at Port Adelaide with his father Craig, uncle Russell and cousin Brett among the Eberts to feature for the club.

Russell wore the number 7 guernsey over nine seasons at the Magpies spanning 197 league games when he won two premierships and two Magarey Medals.

He played a club record 392 games from 1968 to 1985, winning four Magarey Medals, six best and fairest awards and three Premierships.

Brad Ebert’s maternal Grandfather was Trevor Obst who won a Magarey Medal and four Premierships for Port Adelaide, while Trevor’s father Ken and brother Peter were also multiple Premiership winners for the club.