- Rookie shapes as Round 1 bolter
- Magpies to play Roosters in Alberton trial game, 2.10pm Saturday 11 March
A THIRD generation of Mahneys could play league football for Port Adelaide in 2017 after Adam Mahney was added to the Magpies’ contract player list.
Adam, 19, is a former Under-18 best and fairest winner for the club and has recently bounced back from and anterior cruciate ligament injury to catch the eye of Port’s SANFL senior coach Chad Cornes.
He’s from a proud lineage of Port players as well. His father, Wayne, played in the club’s three-peat from 1988 to 1990 and his grandfather Graham played in the 1959 flag.
For Adam – who you’ll likely see down back playing on a variety of opponents in 2017 - the chance to follow his father and grandfather into the black and white jumper at league level is a huge honour.
“It means a lot to play for the Magpies like my dad has, and like grandpa has, to win a premiership for Port Adelaide like them would be amazing,” Adam said.
“I’ve come through all the grades here now, playing through the juniors and reserves, and to be on a league list now is pretty good.
“My focus for now is getting back to how I was before the knee surgery and putting my best foot forward, doing what the coaches ask of me.”
Wayne couldn’t be prouder to see his son playing for the Magpies in 2017.
“He’s worked pretty hard after his knee injury last year, he’s got a lot of hard work to do and is no certainty to get a game, but he’s doing everything he can to hopefully be rewarded,” Wayne said.
“There wouldn’t be too many third generations going around Port or any other club, so it’s really nice for all of us.”
Port Adelaide’s contract list is nearing completion, with five spots left for confirmation, headlined by returning captain Steven Summerton.
The Magpies' first trial game against North Adelaide takes place at Alberton Oval on Saturday 11 March at 2.10pm, reserves at 11.25am. Entry is free.
