Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert lifts the premiership cup during the club's drought-breaking grand final win in 1977.

PORT ADELAIDE legend Russell Ebert has opened up about his health and his fondest Port Adelaide memories in an interview to be released via portadelaidefc.com.au on Saturday evening.

Ebert, 71, was diagnosed in December with acute myeloid leukemia, a form of cancer which affects the production and function of blood cells.

The Australian Football Hall of Fame member and four-time Magarey Medallist has been undergoing treatment over recent months and has taken time away from the club’s community programs to focus on his health.

He invited Port Adelaide’s General Manager – Media, Daniel Norton, into his home for the interview, taking the opportunity to thank those who have passed on their well wishes and offered support to him and his family in recent times.

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Russell Ebert interview: A message to the True Believers | PTV

We sat down with the great Russell Ebert for his first interview since being diagnosed with cancer last year.

Ebert described being overwhelmed at the outpouring of support from the Port Adelaide family and wider community after his initial diagnosis, and expressed his appreciation to those who have donated blood and platelets on his behalf at the Red Cross.

Among the absolute greats of the game, Ebert has won just about every accolade on offer. Three SANFL premierships, six club best and fairest awards, four Magarey Medals and a Jack Oatey Medal as a player stand among his achievements along with 29 state games, many as captain.

A member of the Australian and South Australian Football Halls of Fame, Ebert has some incredible stories to tell, recounting several during the 44-minute interview including his first experience of the club and meeting the legendary Fos Williams.

Ebert – a regular blood and plasma donor who is unable to donate while unwell - and his family continue to encourage more people to donate blood and plasma through a special team “Team Russell” at their local Red Cross Lifeblood Donor Centre. 

So far 2130 lives have been saved by generous Team Russell donors with more than 700 donations since February.

You can click here to register as a blood donor and join Team Russell.

If you are aged between 18-75 years and are feeling well click here to check your eligibility to donate blood or plasma.

To book time to donate please call 13 14 95, visit lifeblood.com.au or download the Donate Blood app.