Bruce Abernethy
Bruce Abernethy joined Seven News in 1990 near the end of an outstanding career in the SANFL and AFL.
In his distinguished career, Abernethy played a total of 314 games - 190 with Port Adelaide in the SANFL, 10 State matches, and 114 AFLgames with North Melbourne, Collingwood and the Adelaide Football Club.
Bruce retired after Port’s 1992 Grand Final triumph – his seventh premiership.
Growing up in the Port Adelaide area, Bruce was left with only one option - to play for the famous black and white Magpies.
Bruce not only fulfilled his ambition, making his debut in 1979, but won premierships in each of his first three seasons (1979, 80 and 81).
Bruce still wanted more out of football and in 1982 came his inevitable departure to the VFL where he played two seasons at North Melbourne (1982, 83) and a further three seasons with Collingwood (1984, 85, 86) where he teamed up with his old Port Adelaide coach, John Cahill.
At the end of 1986 Bruce returned to Adelaide. With the formation of the Crows in 1991, Bruce added 11 games to his AFL tally for a total of 114 and played in Port Adelaide’s 1992 premiership team, his seventh SANFL flag– and last game.
Add the 1987 Port Adelaide best and fairest award to his trophy cupboard, along with the 1988 Jack Oatey Medal, 1987 All Australian representation and a fistful of other awards, and it makes Bruce Abernethy a footballer of the highest standard.
Bruce joined Seven News as a sports journalist in 1990 and three years later took on the role of presenter following John Casey’s departure.
His role then expanded with the arrival of Footy Plus in 1994 (formerly The Crows Show) when he hosted the Saturday afternoon program.
In 1998 he took on the role of Boundary Rider for Seven’s telecasts of Port’s AFL matches.
The 2000 Sydney Olympic Games saw Bruce rewarded with another hosting role, presenting Tonight at the Games.
Bruce is an author of several books. In 1996 he published From Port to A Power as well as Every Pub, co-written with Chris Dittmar.
Both made the best-seller list. Bruce has also completed an economics degree at Monash University in Melbourne.
Privately Bruce is a passionate supporter of the Port Adelaide Football Cluband has three daughters, Imogen, Giaand Brie.
