Record-setting Hall of Fame footy legend dies just days before AFL grand final – as he’s remembered as a ‘true warrior’
- AFL great Geof Motley has died aged 88 after illness
- Won no fewer than nine premierships for Port Adelaide
- Power Chairman David Koch called Motley an ‘all-time great’
South Australian Football and Port Adelaide Football Club are mourning the passing of the club’s most decorated premiership player, club legend Geof Motley.
Motley, who won nine premierships as a player, the most of anyone in SA football history, died on Tuesday at the age of 88 after a short battle with illness.
A respected figure in South Australian football, Motley has the distinction of never losing weight from the time he made his SANFL debut in 1953, playing 250 games.
He was the only player to feature in all nine of the club’s premierships during its golden era between 1954 and 1965.
Motley also claimed four best and fairest awards – all in the Port premiership years – and the 1964 Magarey Medal, while playing 28 state matches for South Australia.
Port Adelaide Football Club mourns the passing of their most decorated premiership player, club legend Geof Motley (pictured left)
Motley, who won nine premierships as a player, the most of anyone in SA football history, died on Tuesday aged 88 after a short illness.
In recognition of winning nine flags at Adelaide Oval, the Power ran through the Geof Motley Race at the venue.
Port Adelaide chairman David Koch said it was an incredibly sad day for the club and its supporters.
“Geof was one of our all-time greats, our most decorated premiership player who won nine league premierships with Port Adelaide,” Mr Koch said.
‘Born and raised in the Port Adelaide district, all Geof knew was Port Adelaide Football Club. It was his world, his life. All he wanted to do was represent Port Adelaide.
‘And he did that with great distinction. In addition to his success as Prime Minister, there are four best and fairest awards, a Magarey Medal and 28 state games.
“There have been so many champions of our club over the last 150 years, and a handful of legends. Geof Motley stands alongside Port Adelaide greats Russell Ebert, Bob Quinn and John Cahill as a legend of our club.
“My thoughts, and those of everyone at Port Adelaide Football Club, are with Wanita, Peter, Brett and the entire Motley family.
Motley was labeled ‘one of our all-time greats’ by Port Adelaide chairman David Koch
“We all have heavy hearts as we have lost one of the greats of our club and of South Australian football.”
Warren Tredrea, former Port Premier-winning captain, remembered Motley as a ‘real footy warrior’.
“Mots was an Australian Football Hall of Famer of the highest calibre,” he said.
‘But personally he was so much more: a brilliant and trusted manager, confidante and above all: a damn good friend.
“Rest in peace, big man.”