Peter Argent, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Two-time Yorke Peninsula Mail Medal winner Murphy Short made his SANFL league debut for Port Adelaide on Sunday, May 1.
Short took to the ground for the second annual Russell Ebert Tribute Match against West Adelaide at Loxton Oval.
Starting on the interchange bench, Short began his career three minutes and 45 seconds into the opening term, quickly finding the pace of the contest.
Port dominated the first half kicking eight goals to one, before surviving a late charge from West to win by 17 points, 12.13 (85) to 10.8 (68).
Short, despite a quiet last quarter, was among the top possession winners in the match.
He had 18 disposals, equal third amongst the Magpies players, and the same as Power-listed Bute talent Lachie Jones.
Short gathered 11 kicks, seven handballs, six marks, a couple tackles and a clearance.
“I definitely noted the pace of the game was a lot quicker than I was used to,” Short said.
“We were big underdogs going in so it was special to get a win.
“It felt like a normal Saturday for me really, playing the game at a country venue.
“I had a funny feeling my first SANFL league game may have been at a rural venue.
“I was certainly gassed in the last quarter.
“We lost a couple of rotations before halftime and I only came off once in the second half.”
Short received his jumper from coach Tyson Goldsack before the match.
He is now among a small contingent of Curramulka footballers who have played SANFL including Matthew Goldsworthy, Neil Goldsworthy, Hedley Freundt, Roger Clift, Ken Secker, Harold Hawke and Vince Copley.
This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 2 May 2023.
