(L-R) SANFL president Max Basheer and general manager Leigh Whicker, Port Adelaide president Greg Boulton chief executive Brian Cunningham sign the club’s AFL licence agreement.

IT was a group of 12 men recognised on Wednesday night with induction into Port Adelaide’s Hall of Fame for their role in securing the club’s entry into the AFL, but former Chief Executive Officer Brian Cunningham says many others were “deeply involved” and also deserve credit.

In a special induction at the club’s Hall of Fame and Season Launch event at Adelaide Oval, members of the Board and Management Team which worked to secure Port Adelaide’s AFL licence in 1994 and prepared for its entry into the national competition were elevated alongside four past players.

Among the Board and Management group honoured were former club presidents Bruce Weber and Greg Boulton, and former CEO Brian Cunningham, who played significant roles between 1990 and 1996 in securing the club’s AFL licence and preparing for its AFL entry.

The other directors recognised were Jim Nitschke, Barry Wilson, Geoff Monteleone, David Judd (who each served from 1990-1996), Phil Hoffmann (1991-1996), Frank Hayter, Ian McLachlan (1992-1996), Robert Hoey (1990-1991; 1994-1996) and Tony Hobby (1994-1996).

17:51

Hall of Fame inductees: AFL bid Board and Management Team | PTV

The Port Adelaide Football Club Board and Management group that led the club's successful AFL submission has been inducted into Port Adelaide Football Club's Hall of Fame.

Following the induction, Mr Cunningham reflected on others who contributed significantly and deserved both recognition and thanks.

“Greg and I wanted on behalf of the Board we are celebrating to thank several people who were deeply involved at the time but for a range of reasons weren’t up there (on stage) and deserve credit,” Mr Cunningham told portadelaidefc.com.au, listing several names.

“Our General Manager in 1990 Ian McKenzie, Dave Boyd, club auditor Tom Whimpress, Ross Haslam – who came back on the board and served with distinction more recently, the late and great Bob Clayton, John Firth, Michelangelo Rucci, Rob Ball and my family Annette, Gem and Lachlan – who were unconditional in their love and support of having a crack at the licence, even if it did mean massive workloads and too much time away from home.”

It was 13 December 1994 when Port Adelaide won the rights to the second South Australian AFL sub-licence, but it was not allowed to compete in the AFL until 1997.

Mr Cunningham said there were others to thank who worked tirelessly once the club had its licence including the SANFL players, coaches, staff and volunteers who continued the club’s success in the late 90s, and then AFL coach Mark Williams, his football support staff and the players in the early 2000s who ultimately gave the club national credibility with the 2004 AFL premiership.

Port Adelaide’s executive team arrive to submit their tender for the second South Australian licence, armed with two suitcases full of evidence.

He also praised board members that came after the club’s AFL entry such as Mark Wightman and Ric Mollison.

“(I also want to acknowledge) my staff from 1992 through to 2004 who did a enormous job in helping us first gain our licence and then growing our reputation in the AFL,” he said.

“Finally, there is no doubt that this journey would not have happened unless our supporters and our members stuck with us in 1990 and onwards.

“Your passion and commitment to not sway away from the goal of AFL entry was probably the most important factor in the club being where it is today and our 1990-96 board thanks you for that.”

Port Adelaide’s original bid for an AFL licence caused a stir across South Australia and led to the formation of the Adelaide Crows.

06:41

Port Adelaide's epic journey to the national stage | PTV

The influential administrators responsible for securing Port Adelaide's entry into the AFL has been recognised with inclusion in the club's Hall of Fame.

Cunningham said the ensuing years until the successful second bid were difficult for those involved.

“The football public of SA turned against Port Adelaide and our only support came from within our own supporter base,” Cunningham recalled.

“There was a hatred way beyond any normal footy rivalry.

“It put massive personal pressure on the board members – all of whom were threatened legally and had their assets on the line.

“It caused deep rifts amongst long standing friends within our club.”

Port Adelaide’s Life Member and Awards committee felt the group of people inducted had contributed significantly to the club achieving its goal of entering the AFL competition and each warranted induction to the Hall of Fame in recognition of their vision, hard work, loyalty and absolute devotion to the club.

Four of those inducted on Wednesday night were not in attendance including the deceased Bruce Weber, Geoff Monteleone and Ian McLachlan, and Barry Wilson who was unwell.