Australian Football

Despite winning a Gardiner Medal in 1974 for the best and fairest in the VFL Reserve's competition, Stephen Clifford struggled to cement a permanent place in the strong Collingwood line-up of the mid to late 70s. After 38 games in six seasons with the Victorian Magpies, and a brief interlude at VFA club Preston, Clifford joined the South Australian Magpies, Port Adelaide, in 1978 and went on to enjoy an illustrious and highly productive career with the club. Best and fairest in his debut season, he landed the award again in 1980 and 1983, and was a member of Port's 1979-80-81 premiership teams. His final games tally of 162 would have been considerably higher had he not broken his ankle on two occasions and fallen out with the club over player payments for a time in 1984. 

Not quick, but tough, combative, skilful, and a thumping kick, Clifford, who exulted in the nickname 'Bomber' was lauded at Alberton and loathed elsewhere, and was without doubt one of the single biggest reasons behind Port Adelaide's success under John Cahill during the late '70s and early '80s. 

Author - John Devaney