Russell Johnston's journey at the Port Adelaide Football Club began without fanfare in 1981 as the skinny ruckman quietly crossed from Collingwood. He finished his playing days as one of the club's most decorated champions, now deservedly elevated to the prestigious Port Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame.
Johnston’s part in Port Adelaide's rise to a premiership dynasty during his 207 games from 1981-1990 and his role as captain from 1986-1990 merits the highest recognition.
He is, after all, the undying image of that Port Adelaide spirit that made him a favourite among the supporter base craving heroes true to all of the club's finest traditions.
"An extraordinary ruckman," says fellow Hall of Famer Tim Ginever. "He was skinny when he first arrived at Alberton but jeez he had a go. He was very courageous and very good overhead."
The growth in Johnston as a player and as a leader across his 10 seasons at Alberton is inspirational.
His journey began as a recruit from Collingwood in 1981 and with the immediate impact that saw him lead Port Adelaide’s ruck division to a thumping Grand Final victory over Glenelg later that year.
Until now, the journey culminated with Johnston named as the first ruck in Port Adelaide's Greatest Team from 1870-2000 - and in between there has been the indelible Russell Johnston imprint on some of the most significant moments in the club's SANFL story.
The 1989 Grand Final stands tallest. Johnston, having missed the previous year's decider through suspension, captained Port Adelaide to a record-breaking victory over North Adelaide. His performance against champion ruckman Mick Redden earned him the Jack Oatey Medal as best on ground.
"What a game he played," recalls six-time premiership player Stephen Williams. "He was able to play a blinder of a game in the Grand Final. It was true justice that he was able to put the disappointment from the previous year behind him."
But Johnston's legacy extends beyond individual brilliance. As captain, he embodied a distinctive leadership philosophy.
"Johnno was the sort of guy that it didn't matter if you were the captain of the club or you were the 50th guy on the list, he treated you exactly the same," Williams says. "That's a hallmark of a successful captain."
Ginever puts it simply: "When you play over 200 games, you captain, you win a best and fairest, you perform like you did on the big day - there's no question you thoroughly deserve to be in the there.
"He's a bloody worthy Hall of Famer, no doubt about that."
Russell Johnston
SANFL games: 207 (1981 – 1990)
SANFL goals: 72
Club honours:
- Jack Oatey Medal (1989 Grand Final)
- Port Adelaide best and fairest (1989)
- Port Adelaide captain (1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990)
- Port Adelaide life member (1990)
- SANFL life member (1990)
