By Corey Everitt
Questions have emerged about what made the AFL mistakenly pronounce former player Michael Porter dead, with some local suspicions that it might be a case of mistaken identity with local legend, the late Rob Porter OAM.
The AFL held its Hall of Fame ceremony on Wednesday 19 June, where it made an error of including former Hawthorn player Michael Porter in the ‘in memoriam’ tribute reel.
Michael Porter is alive and well at the age of 79.
Yet, some locals have thought twice about this particular mistake as Michael Porter shares commonality with the late Rob Porter.
Both of them played for Hawthorn in a similar area, were of similar age and of course share the name Porter.
Mr Porter’s wife Carol Porter OAM said she saw the news on one of the weekly football programs and couldn’t help but think it may have had connection to her late husband.
“I just thought they mixed it up with Rob,” Ms Porter said.
“I heard them joking about it and it just went through my mind.”
Regardless of the certainty of Mr Officer’s involvement, Ms Porter was shocked at the mistake.
“You would think the AFL would check to make sure,” Ms Porter said.
“I think they should see what happened and they should apologise.”
Rob Porter played for Hawthorn Football Club in 1962 and 63. Michael would play from 1966 to 1972.
Rob Porter was only three years older than Michael and died on Christmas Day last year.
At the MCG earlier this year during a Hawthorn home game, the club reportedly paid tribute to Rob Porter.
The Gazette has contacted the AFL and Hawthorn Football Club for a response.
Updates to come.
