Record-setting Hall of Fame footy legend dies just days before AFL grand final – as he’s remembered as a ‘true warrior’

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, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88 after a short battle with illness.

A revered figure in South Australian football, Motley has the distinction of never being dropped from the moment he made his SANFL debut in 1953, playing 250 games.

He was the only player to take part 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 Port premiership years – and the 1964 Magarey Medal, while he played 28 state games for South Australia.

Motley, who won nine premierships as a player, the most of anyone in SA football history, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 88 following a short illness

As recognition for winning nine flags at Adelaide Oval, the Power run 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 winning nine league premierships with Port Adelaide,’ Mr Koch said.

‘Born and raised in the Port Adelaide district, all Geof knew was the 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. Alongside his premiership success sits four best-and-fairest awards, a Magarey Medal and 28 State games.

‘There have been so many champions of our club across more than 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 all of those at the Port Adelaide Football Club, are with Wanita, Peter, Brett and the entire Motley family.

Motley was labelled ‘one of our all-time greats’ by Port Adelaide chairman David Koch

‘We all carry a heavy heart as we’ve lost one of the greats of our club and of South Australian football.’

Former Port premiership-winning captain Warren Tredrea remembered Motley as a ‘true 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, confidant and most importantly, a bloody good friend.

‘Rest in peace great man.’