There is no hiding from the fact we haven’t started the season as we would have liked.
We aren’t performing to our own expectations and, I assure you, no one feels that more than the players and coaches who have even higher expectations of themselves.
After the disappointment of the performance in Round 2, we played better on Friday night but just didn’t execute well enough in key moments. We had several opportunities throughout the night to put the game beyond Adelaide, but we left them in it. Sometimes football teaches you lessons in the harshest way, and it certainly did that on Friday night.
Our task as a Club, and the task of our football group, is to turn it around as quickly as possible. The next challenge comes this Thursday night at Adelaide Oval in a massive game against reigning Premier, Melbourne.
Football doesn’t always go to plan and clubs get challenged. In these moments, how you respond is critical. The good clubs remain calm, strong, and united and back in their people to do their jobs. We’ll back Ken, the coaches, and the players, and provide them with the support they need. We have enormous faith and confidence in this group, and in their ability to get back to playing the football we know they’re capable of.
As challenging as our current situation might feel, our club has been challenged many times before. As we have always done, we’ll stick together, and work our way through this moment - and be better for it.
On a positive note, the club’s off-field tribute to club legend Russell Ebert in Round 2 was extraordinary. Seeing the #7 guernsey - made famous by the great man - hanging amongst the iconic Moreton Bay figs at Adelaide Oval; the Ebert family’s involvement with Di and Tammie tossing the coin; Brett presenting Josh Sinn’s first jumper and his son Ethan kicking the ceremonial first goal; and the minute applause at the seventh minute mark of the first quarter. These were truly memorable moments. Our people again showing why they are the best in Australian footy.
Your patience and support in our transition to mobile ticketing has been appreciated. Mobile ticketing is now standard across the AFL, and we are among the last clubs to make this move. We know this has been a big change for Port Adelaide members, as it has been in all clubs, but I’m proud of our team’s commitment to making the process as smooth as possible.
Like you, the faces at the counter in the Port Store and membership, and the voices on the phones, are passionate and committed Port Adelaide people. They share in your disappointment, but their care and support of our members never falters.
We understand that what’s needed is action, not just words. As a club, we embrace expectation and will keep pushing forward with utmost confidence in our people and belief in our goal.
Cheers
Richo
