The AFL has been left red-faced after mourning the death of Hawthorn premiership-player Michael Porter at this week’s Hall of Fame gala evening in Melbourne.
Problem is, Porter is alive and well.
On Tuesday night the AFL inducted Collingwood great Dane Swan into the Hall of Fame – and also elevated Hawthorn’s Jason Dunstall to Legend status.
But when it came to the ‘In Memoriam’ segment – where the code pays tribute to figures in the game who have passed away in the last 12 months – a stuff-up of epic proportions unfolded.
Speaking on Channel 7’s The Front Bar on Wednesday, Hawks great John Kennedy Jr said he was in disbelief after Porter’s image flashed up on the screen.
Porter, 79, played 78 games for Hawthorn and and won a flag in 1971.
Host Sam Pang said: ‘That 1971 team, obviously a famous team and important team in Hawthorn’s history, but I believe John you have a cheerio you’d like to give to one of the players.’
Kennedy replied: ‘I’d like to send one out to Michael Porter who played in the ’71 Grand Final. “Portholes”, they called him.
‘He was noted as deceased on the AFL Hall of Fame, as one of the deceased people.
‘The issue is he’s alive. So Portholes, if you’re listening mate or you’re up there in NSW, let us know when the wake is because we’ll be all there mate!’
An AFL spokesman said: ‘Once this innocent mistake was realised we moved quickly to ring and apologise to everyone affected, including Michael, and we thank him for his understanding.’
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