Travis Boak, a stalwart of Port Adelaide Football Club, is poised to make history this Saturday, March 23, 2025, as he surpasses the legendary Russell Ebert’s long-standing all-time games record. The match, set to take place at Adelaide Oval, will signify not only a personal milestone for the 36-year-old Boak but also honor the enduring legacy of his predecessor, Ebert, one of the club's most iconic figures.
On March 19, Boak addressed the media alongside Brett Ebert, Russell's son, emphasizing the significance of this moment. “It is a special moment, mainly because of what Russell meant to this footy club, to me, to the playing group and so many people in this community,” Boak remarked.
Brett Ebert echoed these sentiments, expressing pride in Boak for breaking the record. “Dad would be so proud, I know mum and the rest of the family are so proud it's Trav,” he stated, highlighting the bond shared between the two footballing greats.
Travis Boak’s journey with the Port Adelaide Football Club began nearly two decades ago, and throughout this time, he has become a fan favorite. Boak has demonstrated unwavering loyalty, rejecting lucrative offers from interstate teams, which underscores his commitment to the club’s rebuilding efforts. He is now set to play his 393rd game, a combination of 373 official AFL matches and 20 pre-season games. Although he acknowledges that he is 27 games short of the much-anticipated 400 games mark, he insists this milestone is not his primary focus. “My focus throughout the off-season and pre-season was this year, and making sure this is a big year,” he asserted.
Boak’s relationship with Ebert extends beyond their shared passion for the game. The late Ebert was known for his profound impact on the community, a legacy that Boak aspires to continue. “I recall going on community camps and stuff like that, and all you’d ever hear from people out in the community was ‘Russ was my favorite player, Russ was amazing’," he shared, reflecting on Ebert’s resonance with fans.
In his own right, Boak has also made significant contributions off the field, showing dedication not just to football but to the community as well. He emphasized, “It’s about the legacy of being a good person and how we can impact our community,” a philosophy he feels has been instilled in him, largely due to Ebert’s influence.
As he prepares for the match, Boak remains focused on performance, especially following a disappointing outcome the previous week. “The motivation comes from wanting to respond from last week. It was really disappointing. Those games, you’ve got to take a lot of lessons from, and we did that,” he said, ready to take to the field in front of supportive fans. “I’m looking forward to playing in front of our home fans for the first time this year, and getting a win.”
Brett Ebert also praised Boak’s professional approach since he joined the club, stating, “He was ready to play. His professionalism was second-to-none to begin with.” This dedication has certainly supported Boak's longevity in the sport, as injuries often hinder players’ careers. He himself acknowledges, “Oh, there’s no doubt you need an element of it, for sure, whether that’s your team to go through a year without injuries, or personally, you need it as well.” His solid fitness and mental clarity have allowed him to adapt to the rigorous demands of AFL football over the years.
Looking ahead, Boak also considers the emotional weight of playing on a day that honors Ebert’s record. He stated, “To be able to play in front of our fans in a milestone is going to be really special. One thing I’ve learned over the last several years is that milestones aren’t about you; they’re about the people that help you get there.” This dedication to acknowledging the community and family highlights the strong family spirit that defines the Port Adelaide Football Club.
As Boak readies himself for an emotional match, he reflects on the collective journey of both himself and Ebert within the sport. “That’s just part of the journey. Whether it’s life or footy, there are always going to be down points,” he indicated, acknowledging both past challenges and triumphs throughout his career. He remains grateful for the support of fans and the hard-won lessons that have shaped him into the player and person he is today.
With all eyes set on this monumental day, Travis Boak’s achievement stands as a testament to not only his skill and perseverance on the field but also his character off it, mirroring the legacy of Russell Ebert. As he steps onto the field this Saturday, he does so not just as an individual breaking records, but as a beloved symbol of loyalty, community, and sportsmanship, continuing to inspire the next generation of footballers.
