Australian Football

Paul Northeast was a relentlessly aggressive defender whose untidy kicking style made him instantly identifiable. He worked his way through the Port Adelaide system before being handed his senior debut as a 17-year-old in 1987. At first, he struggled to hold down a regular place in the powerful Magpie line-up, and he missed selection in the club’s 1988 Grand Final team. However, by 1989 he was a first choice senior player, and went on to play in no fewer than eight Port Adelaide premiership teams. 

At his peak during the early to mid-1990s, Northeast won a club best and fairest award in 1991, and represented the state against Tasmania four years later. When he retired after the 2000 season he had played a total of 235 senior SANFL games.

Author - John Devaney