FAQ Russell Ebert
The biography is 400 pages, filled with 29 chapters and hundreds of photos.
Information was sourced from detailed diaries kept by Russell from his coaching days 1983-1999 and newspaper articles collected by his wife Dian during his playing career.
The biography investigates where Russell’s life began, how he grew up, all his playing career and coaching, plus everything that eventuated after football ended.
Albert, Russell’s grandson, started a project and as it developed, Ben, his dad, helped to put together a book. Shane Mensforth and his wife did the editing, Simon Bryan did the graphic design and Lane Communications printed the copies.
The title was quoted by Russell after winning the 1977 grand final and when holding the premiership cup above his head. Being captain, he said “It’s been a long time, but geez it’s worth it”. This was the first time he had won a grand final since starting in 1968 and so we tweaked the quote to mean his whole life had been worth it.
Once the book has paid for itself, money will be donated to four of Russell’s favourite charities.
The book is written in first person, so Russell is the telling the story until his passing, then Albert takes over and finishes his story. This was a very difficult task, and numerous chapter movements and creative editing occurred to make it all possible.
The main question is how Russell got it all done in one lifetime. Most people knew of his amazing playing career, but his community and charity work were just as impressive.
The insight into his playing career, coaching thoughts and the last few chapters on what family members thought of Russell. Every aspect of Russell’s life was explored.