It is a significant signing for the Power, which has secured its most prolific goal kicker of the last four seasons.
Schulz has carved a reputation as one of the gutsiest players in the competition throughout his time at Port Adelaide and his exploits as the Power’s chief destroyer will continue into the club’s historic move back to the heart of the city in 2014.
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He has led the Power’s goal kicking in three of his four seasons at Alberton with hauls of 33 (2010), 42 (2012) and 49 this year.
It has been a remarkable turnaround up forward for Schulz, having kicked no more than 16 goals in a season during his time at Richmond.
Hailing originally from country South Australia, Schulz is now settled and secure in the knowledge he remains a vital player to the Port Adelaide game plan going forward.
He was one of the Power’s best in 2013, even despite having to battle multiple key defenders at times.
Finishing seventh in the club’s best and fairest count, he was supreme in a number of matches including in Round 1 where he was awarded a Mark of the Year nomination for a spectacular flying chest mark on the goal line against the Demons at the MCG.
He kicked four goals in that match, a performance equalled with efforts against the Gold Coast in Round 4 and Carlton in Round 23.
He was similarly effective with a three-goal performance against Collingwood during the elimination final at the MCG.
Considering he spent the majority of 2012 recovering from internal damage suffered in a sickening collision with teammate Justin Westhoff, Schulz’s most recent campaign stands up as one of the best injury turnarounds in the club’s history.
Supporters who questioned whether a viable successor to premiership captain Warren Tredrea was waiting in the wings at the end of 2010 now rest easy knowing ‘Schulzy’ is the man to deliver up forward.
And senior coach Ken Hinkley knows it.
“Jay is clearly our number one key position forward and is vital to our success going forward,” Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“Since he’s been at Port he’s been a really valuable member of the team and going forward we see him as a very important part of the side.
“He provides strong leadership for our young forwards and is clearly the focal point of our forward line.”
Jay Schulz profile
Hinkley doesn’t expect Schulz’s bravery to relent as he approaches his 29th birthday.
Indeed it’s a fundamental characteristic of his game which has made him so popular among the Power faithful.
“He’s incredibly brave, there’s no doubt in his fearless attack on the ball,” Hinkley said.
“You wouldn’t see too many players go in the air like Jay does. He’s prepared to work hard, chase and tackle because he knows the example that sets to his young teammates.
“We love his passion for footy here at Port Adelaide and I’m glad he’ll be sticking around for a while.”
For Schulz, the opportunity to stay with home at Port Adelaide was an easy one to take.
Fresh from a punishing pre-season trip in Dubai, Schulz says the chance to remain part of a hungry playing group was one too good to pass up.
“On the back of playing finals last year, and the way the club is going - that’s the whole club and not just the playing group - it’s a fantastic time to be here and I want to be part of it,” Schulz told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“The playing group has been pushed again by Burgo and the fitness boys already this year, and I’ve said that it does surprise me sometimes how the boys can keep pushing themselves to another level.
“But that said, it probably isn’t too surprising because I know how good our group is now.
“We know it’s going to be a tough journey to the top again next year and we we’re all willing to work hard to get there.
“We got a taste last year and the hunger for more is definitely there.”
Schulz remains one of the Power’s most senior players and is enthusiastic about the chance to stay home and play in the historic first full AFL season at Adelaide Oval.
He has called on supporters to help push the club past the 50,000-member figure ahead of the season start.
“There’s a massive opportunity at Adelaide Oval, it’s a fantastic venue,” he said.
“I actually played SANFL footy there in my junior days and it’s a great place to play footy and hopefully we’ll put on a display our supporters are excited to watch next year too.
“The boys can’t wait to get back there.”
portadelaidefc.com.au will unveil another player signing as part of the Power’s Five Days of Christmas at 12.30pm on Tuesday and each day this week.
Jay Schulz career profile
2002 NAB AFL Draft, pick 12 (Richmond)
2009 NAB AFL Draft traded by Richmond to Port Adelaide
Career totals: 142 games, 213 goals
Port Adelaide: 71 games, 155 goals
Triple leading goal kicker - 2010, 2012, 2013
Highest score at Port Adelaide - 7.3 v Brisbane Lions, Round 15 2011
Richmond: 71 games, 58 goals
NAB AFL Rising Star nominee, 2004
