Before my time, but I know Nan Boon held Gerlach in very high regard. Was a quality person on and off field by all accounts.
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PORT Adelaide goalkicking hero Randall Gerlach has died. He was 65.
Gerlach made his fame as a reliable goalkicker in his 110 SANFL league games with the Magpies from 1971-1977. He played a significant role in ending Port Adelaide’s 12-year premiership drought in 1977 with his assertive form as a key forward in the league’s centenary season.
Gerlach also lifted the public profile on those battling kidney disease.
Gerlach was just 24 when he retired from football, just six months after playing in the 1977 grand final win against Glenelg at Football Park. His kidneys had shut down, consigning him to dialysis and kidney transplants - three of which failed.
Gerlach topped Port Adelaide’s goalkicking list in 1976 with 90 goals.