PORT ADELAIDE host Adelaide at Alberton Oval in an AFL-sanctioned match for the first time in the club’s history on Saturday afternoon.

Port successfully lobbied for the JLT Community Series game to take place at Alberton, in a bid to bring AFL footy back to the heartland of Port Adelaide.

Power midfielder Brad Ebert said it was exciting to be playing a pre-season game back at the heartland, and for it to be against the Crows adds “that little bit more”.

“I know there has been plenty that the club had organised around it,” Ebert told reporters on Monday afternoon.

“There will be a street fair and plenty of member engagement stuff, which is exciting for everyone involved.”

It is Port’s last pre-season fixture before the Toyota AFL season begins, and the 27-year-old said both clubs should have strong squads for the clash.

“I reckon the team we pick will be pretty strong and I imagine Adelaide will do the same,” he said.

“It is still a JLT game but at the same time, everyone is trying to show those improvements from the pre-season.

“Any time you play the Crows you are up for the contest, as I’m sure they will be.”

“It’s going to be another opportunity for us to have a really solid hit-out and fine tune everything leading into Round 1.”

Port Adelaide play Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Saturday, March 24, in the club’s opening match of the home-and-away season.

More on portadelaidefc.com.au...