A State Funeral to celebrate the life of Mr Neil ‘Knuckles’ Kerley AM will take place at 1pm on Monday, 25 July 2022 at Adelaide Oval.
Hosted by the Government of South Australia, the funeral will commemorate Mr Kerley’s incredible life, career and contribution to South Australia as a player, coach, selector and commentator.
“South Australia has lost an icon. Australia has lost a football legend. He was a passionate and proud South Australian, the embodiment of State pride,” says Acting Premier, Susan Close MP.
“It could not be more fitting that the life of a true giant of the game and our State is celebrated with a State Funeral.
“I extend my sympathy to Neil’s family and friends, to whom he was far more than a cherished legend of the game and thank them for the opportunity to pay respect to his legacy in this way.”
Debuting in 1957 for West Adelaide, Kerley left his indelible mark at 5 SANFL clubs over 5 decades, winning 2 premierships (1961, West Adelaide and 1964, South Adelaide) as captain-coach, and two as coach (1973, Glenelg and 1983, West Adelaide).
Across a 276-game playing career and a 3-decade long coaching career, Kerley’s extensive list of achievements included 32 games for South Australia (6 as captain), coaching South Australia and Origin teams, winning 5 best-and-fairest awards (West Adelaide (4), Glenelg (1), becoming All-Australian vice-captain (1961), and being inducted into the Australian, South Australian and West Adelaide halls of fame.
Kerley was also instrumental in developing the Adelaide Football Club, serving as their first football manager in 1990 and 1991, as well as being a selector for the All-Australian team.
In 2007, Mr Kerley was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to Australian football in South Australia as a player and coach, and to the community as a supporter of several charitable organisations.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the State Funeral, it will also be livestreamed. Attendees can register online.
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