SANFL to honour Neil Kerley in Round 13 of Hostplus SANFL League

1 July 2020

As a mark of respect for SA and Australian Football Hall of Fame great Neil Kerley AM, a moments silence will be held before Round 13 Hostplus SANFL league matches this weekend.

All SANFL players and umpires also will wear black armbands in honour of Kerley, widely regarded as a legend of football in South Australia.

The moments silence will be held pre-match, in addition to SANFL Indigenous Round ceremonies.

SANFL General Manager Football Matt Duldig said it was only fitting to acknowledge the outstanding contribution Kerley made to football in this State and nationally.

“Quite clearly the outpouring of grief across the nation at the sudden death of Neil Kerley reflects the enormous impact he had on the Australian football community and footy fans far and wide,” Mr Duldig said.

“What’s also unique about Kerls is that he was not only connected to most of our SANFL League clubs as a player, coach, administrator and media commentator, but was revered broadly across the footy community.”

Mr Duldig also confirmed that South Australia’s Under 16 boys team would honour Kerley by also wearing black armbands in its second match of the AFL National Championships against Victoria Metro at Metricon Stadium on Tuesday.

In addition to his illustrious SANFL playing and coaching career, Kerley played 32 matches for South Australia, captaining the side on six occasions. He also coached the SA team 10 times between 1967 and 1984.