DARRYL POOLE left his mark at Alberton Oval in 110 games for the club across the AFL and SANFL.
The 1999 SANFL premiership player and Jack Oatey Medallist was captain for four seasons between 2000 and 2003, and a widely admired cult figure renowned as much for his leadership and hardness at the contest as he was his ponytail.
Poole has gone from representing the club with distinction to telling stories through photos and film that make a difference within the community through his site it’sPortAdelaide.
He’s now left his mark at Alberton again – this time on The Precinct at Alberton with his artwork on show in the newly renovated bar and kitchen.
The huge mural of some of the old abandoned wharf pylons in the Port River with the iconic Harts Mill in the background adorns an entire wall in the venue, in keeping with the modern-industrial design.
160-year-old Jarrah pylons salvaged from the wharves are themselves at the heart of The Precinct’s modern-industrial design, a homage to the state’s maritime expansion and development which gave rise to the football club in 1870.
In his words, Poole was “blown away” by being asked to display his work in the venue.
“The Precinct is a place that brings back so many great memories for me, firstly as a kid getting to meet my heroes after a big win at Alberton, and then getting lucky enough as a player to celebrate Grand Final flags and the excitement of joining the AFL with the Port Adelaide family, we have all shared in so many great times,” he said.
“You can’t walk through ‘The Precinct’ and the museum without feeling a huge sense of pride that all of the Port Adelaide faithful over so many years have made our club as great as it is. It’s way more than a footy team to us; it’s who we are.
“When I was first asked to be part of such a huge redevelopment in the heartland of Port Adelaide, I was blown away and so bloody grateful for the opportunity to showcase my photography in such a huge way for everyone to see. The old wharf pylons and the Port River is so strong in our history. Go upstairs… you can’t miss it!”
The Precinct opened last month, showcasing the new club museum downstairs along with the new Port Store retail experience and function room, café and bar and kitchen upstairs overlooking the oval.
After an initial sneak peek, Poole was on hand to check out his handy work on Tuesday and promised he would be back.
“When I first looked around the Museum it was so good to watch and listen to the older generations teaching the youngsters all about our successful rich history and what it really means to be part of Port Adelaide, all while celebrating our current teams and the success we will always strive for,” he explained.
“To everyone involved in the creation of ‘The Precinct’ … congratulations, you’ve brought it all together perfectly.
“‘The Precinct’ is a game changer. On game day, lunch catch ups and drinks through the week, checking out the museum again or getting your latest merchandise, we are all sorted. I hope to bump into you soon.”
The Precinct bar and kitchen will have special opening hours for lunch tomorrow from 11am for anyone wishing to enjoy a meal after Port Adelaide's first open training session in over two years - click here to book a table and see Darryl Poole's artwork in person.
To check out Darryl Poole’s photography and the way he is giving back to our community follow along at @itsPortAdelaide on Facebook and Instagram.
