MATTHEW LOKAN dreamed of playing for Port Adelaide as a child, and having done that, he admits now coaching the club is even more special.
Lokan has returned to Port Adelaide, where he played 112 SANFL games either side of 46 in the AFL with Collingwood, after four years with Glenelg.
The 35 year-old will be at the helm of his first league game since his return on Saturday, when the Magpies take on Adelaide at Alberton to open their 2018 SANFL Season.
“Growing up as a Port Adelaide supporter, I always dreamed of playing for the club and was obviously lucky enough to do that in the SANFL,” Lokan said.
“Now to be able to be coach the club and be on the lockers with some of the other great coaches is pretty special for me and my family.”
The Magpies, under Chad Cornes, fell just one-point short of Sturt in last year’s grand final and Lokan is determined to get another shot at the Premiership.
“You’ve got to be pretty lucky to win premierships but Port Adelaide exists to win premierships at both SANFL and AFL level and we won’t leave any stone unturned in our attempts to get there this year,” he said.
“The boys were obviously great last year but fell short by a kick in the grand final and we want to go one better this year and we think we can win a flag at SANFL level and AFL level this year.
Lokan’s task will be made more difficult by a big turnover of the Magpies contracted players as well as several new AFL-listed youngsters who will likely be given the chance to mature at SANFL level.
One contracted player who remains is SANFL life member Steven Summerton who will retain the club captaincy.
“There has been a massive turnover of players, that’s something that is the nature of the beast at the club now with the way it is all structured and you can’t blame the boys for leaving for more opportunity,” Summerton said.
“But I’m just looking forward to what some of the young Magpies boys can do.”
“I think a few of them will get a taste of league footy this week so I’m really looking forward to what they can do and our ultimate goal is to get back into the finals and hopefully win the flag.”
Summerton said he is particularly excited to see local product Levi Proude get a run in the league side after the 22-year-old came through the junior and reserves teams.
The 210-gamer also singled out getting to play again with Power rookie Lindsay Thomas who has returned to Alberton from North Melbourne.
Lokan also played with Summerton before entering the coaching ranks, and the skipper said it was a change having him as coach.
“I’ve known Lokes for a while now and I used to play with him back when he was with the Magpies,” Summerton said.
“He’s got that teaching background and he is really good with the young boys in the way he really guides them and explains things to them.
“Chad is more of a hard-edge type coach whereas Lokes is really positive and he’ll really look to get the best out of every player.”
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