James, who resigned from his post at Alberton in June to work for global funds manager Vanguard, told the Adelaide Advertiser that the existing 50,000-plus capacity stadium was too big for Port Adelaide’s needs and suggested that Geelong had the "perfect model for a traditional suburban club" with its facility at Skilled Stadium.
But Rohde said the Power, who averaged 23, 842 fans at their home games this season, were committed to playing at AAMI Stadium.
“John is no longer at the club and there’s no doubt the club itself is very supportive of AAMI Stadium and the SANFL,” Rohde told Adelaide Radio 5AA.
“Whilst there’s no hiding from the fact that there have been issues with us getting bigger crowds in there, we’re very convinced that the way to go is to keep working with the SANFL, AAMI Stadium and to improve our performance on the ground then, hopefully, we’ll get our supporters back.”
Port Adelaide needs around 27,000 spectators at each home game to break even and Rohde conceded poor attendances this season had cost the club financially.
“I’m not sure about the [exact amount of] the loss. It’s a bit early to be making those sorts of predictions. I know the financial year doesn’t finish for another few weeks and then they’ve got to crunch all the numbers,” he said.
“It’s no secret that it’s been a tough year for us financially. I think the average crowd was down seven-to-eight thousand people over our home games, which goes straight to the bottom line.
“There’s no doubt it will be a difficult year for us financially and we’ve got some challenges ahead in that area, but I’m very confident that with the new CEO (Mark Haysman) starting next week and some changes to the board -- I’m sure they’re ready to face those challenges.”
Rohde said Port Adelaide would continue to strive for value for money when it comes to translating cash flow into on-field success.
But he suggested the club’s financial limitations would more than likely rule it out of a play for Sydney Swan Ryan O’Keefe if he chooses to enter the pre-season draft.
“We’ll talk about him, but to be honest the sort of salary they’re talking about for him would make it very difficult for us to get involved I would imagine,” Rohde said.
“But we wouldn’t rule anything out at this stage.”
