Panthers Great Stuart Palmer inducted into the SA Football Hall of Fame

South Adelaide games record holder Stuart Palmer has been inducted into the SA Football Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at the SANFL's annual Magarey Medal dinner at Adelaide Oval.

A true gentleman off the field, but a fierce competitor on it, Palmer enjoyed a remarkable 17-season career with South Adelaide that spanned a club record 337 games, making him the only Panther to ever breach the 300 game mark.

During this time Palmer captained South Adelaide from 1982 - 1984, played in two 'night' premierships and represented South Australia against Queensland in 1980.

Watch Stuart Palmer's induction speech below:

Born in the town of Nelson in northern England, Palmer moved to Australia with his family at the age of five.

After taking up football he rose quickly through the Panthers junior ranks and made his senior debut in April 1969 just shy of his 18th birthday, coming off of the bench in the second quarter and registering a goal with his first kick in league football in front of a hostile Alberton crowd.

The following week he booted four goals from centre half forward and by season's end won the media award for best first year player in the SANFL.

Standing 193cm and weighing in at 86kg, Palmer was a versatile player from a young age - he would play centre half forward for Urrbrae High School in the morning and full back for South Adelaide's U17s in the afternoon.

In the SANFL, Stuart would make a name for himself as a defender known for his cool head under pressure, spectacular high marking and excellent reading of the play.

Under the tutelage of Haydn Bunton Jr. - one of seven coaches Palmer played under, bookended by playing coaches Peter Darley (1969) and Rick Davies (1985) - Palmer and the Panthers re-emerged as a force in the second half of the 1970s, culminating in a Grand Final playoff against Port Adelaide in 1979.

Following his retirement in 1985, Palmer resided as South Adelaide Chairman from 1997 - 2001 and has enjoyed a successful career in the transport industry away from football.

In 2000, Stuart was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for service to Australian Football and in 2009 he was enshrined in the South Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame.

Stuart Palmer's career was defined by modesty, loyalty and consistent brilliance on the field. South Adelaide Football Club wishes to congratulate Stuart on his wonderful and well-deserved induction to the SA Football Hall of Fame.

Playing Record:

• 337 games for South Adelaide (1969 - 1985) - games record holder
• South Adelaide Captain 1982 - 1984
• Represented SA in 1980
• 'Night' Premierships - 1979 and 1984

Achievements:

• South Adelaide Chairman 1997 - 2001
• Player Life Member of the South Adelaide Football Club
• Player Life Member of the SANFL
• South Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame inductee 2009
• Awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2000 for service to Australian Football
• State Coach, SA Women's Football League
• Former South Adelaide Past Players and Officials President