SEVEN-time Magpies premiership player George Fiacchi has joined the board of the Port Adelaide Football Club after being nominated by 2012 members.
The SA Football Commission today confirmed Mr Fiacchi’s appointment following a recommendation from the PAFC board which endorsed the members’ nomination.
Mr Fiacchi won a majority of the 2712 votes cast in an election of eligible Port Adelaide Football Club 2012 members held between 30 November and 12 December.
Mr Fiacchi fills a position held since 2006 by Alex Panas who contested the 2012 election along with Trevor Johnson and Jason Makarenko.
Port Adelaide chairman Mr David Koch congratulated Mr Fiacchi, who is national client manager for Australian Radio Network and a board member on the Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation.
“George brings a great understanding of the Port Adelaide Football Club from the perspective of someone who has represented the club on many occasions and experienced a great deal of success,” Mr Koch said.
“George also brings a lot of business experience and expertise and we look forward to his contribution at the board table.”
Mr Koch paid tribute to Mr Panas for the long and tireless commitment he had made over more than six years as a director of the Port Adelaide Football Club and for two years prior to that on the board of the Port Adelaide Magpies Football Club.
“Alex has made a tremendous contribution to Port Adelaide over many years as a director, sponsor and very passionate champion of our club,” Mr Koch said.
“His decision to seek re-election was a sign that he continues to hold the club close to his heart.
“We thank Alex most sincerely for the many roles he has played, including his very valuable contribution to our gala auction and brand and marketing committees, in addition to the passionate voice he has always brought to the board table.
“Alex will always be a welcome face at Port Adelaide and we will work to ensure that his skills and expertise can still be harnessed by the club.
“It is important that passionate supporters of the club are acknowledged and their influence maintained.”
Mr Fiacchi – who is a member of the club’s Magpies management committee - played 236 SANFL games for Port Adelaide between 1985 and 1997, and was a member of the club’s 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1995 and 1996 premiership teams.
Port Adelaide board: David Koch (chairman), Kevin Osborn (deputy chairman), John Auld, Cos Cardone, George Fiacchi, Ross Haslam, Jamie Restas, Richard Ryan, Trevor Thiele and Amanda Vanstone.
