Description

Port Adelaide 1981 Premiers Mug – Three in a Row

The Port Adelaide 1981 Premiers Mug commemorates the club’s 27th SANFL premiership and the completion of a historic Three in a Row.

Port Adelaide defeated Glenelg 14.11 (95) to 6.8 (44) in the 1981 SANFL Grand Final. The SANFL staged the Grand Final at Football Park on Saturday, 3 October before a crowd of 52,659.

From the opening stages, the Magpies controlled territory and possession. Consequently, Glenelg struggled to generate sustained forward pressure. The defensive structure held firm across the ground.

Under coach John Cahill and captain Brian Cunningham, Port Adelaide imposed discipline and physicality. Furthermore, the midfield dictated tempo and field position. Port Adelaide decided the contest by three-quarter time. Meanwhile, Glenelg attempted to lift the intensity after halftime. However, Port Adelaide absorbed the pressure and responded immediately. Ultimately, the Magpies controlled the final term and sealed the result.

Importantly, the victory secured three consecutive SANFL premierships (1979, 1980, 1981). It confirmed Port Adelaide as the benchmark club of the era.

The 51-point margin removed any doubt. As a result, the 1981 triumph stands as one of the most emphatic Grand Final performances of the period.

This commemorative mug features the restored 1981 premiership team in full colour. In addition, it includes the official Grand Final scoreline and match details. Therefore, it serves as a lasting tribute to Premiership No. 27 and the completion of a remarkable Three in a Row.

The 1981 premiership completed the Three in a Row (1979–1981). View the 1979 and 1980 Premiership

Part of the Port Adelaide SANFL collection.

Past Colours products are independently created historical artworks and are not officially endorsed by any league or club. All league and club names remain the property of their respective trademark holders.

Past Colours – Preserving Australian Football History in Colour.