PORT ADELAIDE SANFL Captain Cam Sutcliffe has announced his retirement from league football to focus on the next stage of his career.
Sutcliffe, 31, had his 2023 season limited to just seven games through injury but remained a strong leader for a young and at times inexperienced Port Adelaide line-up.
While he has played most of his time as a midfielder, the Kadina product showcased his versatility and team-first attitude by playing various roles in recent years, including in the backline this season.
Currently splitting his time working as an assistant coach with Port Adelaide’s AFLW side and in the club’s not-for-profit charity arm, Power Community Limited, running the Power to End Violence Against Women and Empowered programs, Sutcliffe will remain heavily invested in the on and off-field goings on at Alberton.
“I have really enjoyed my time with the Magpies since 2019 and the friendships I have developed with the players, coaches, staff and volunteers that make up this great club,” Sutcliffe said.
“But it’s come to a time for me where I need to start to transition away from the commitments of SANFL football to focus on growing professionally in other ways.
“I’ll still be at the club in various roles, keeping a keen eye on how our SANFL group is performing, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I was given to represent Port Adelaide.”
Sutcliffe was originally brought to the club as its SANFL leadership player in 2019 before being upgraded to the AFL rookie list through the mid-year rookie draft and guiding the club to the SANFL Grand Final in his first season at the helm.
He also played nine AFL games to add to the 104 he played for Fremantle between 2011 and 2018.
“Cam is a very likeable guy who was a great leader during his time at our club and helped with the development of many of our younger players in recent years,” said Port Adelaide SANFL Manager Paul Stewart.
“We really appreciate how much time and genuine care he has put in, not only to our SANFL program but also our AFLW, Community and AFL programs.
“While we will lose him on-field, we are excited that he remains at the club and respect his decision to dedicate more time to the next step in his post-playing career.”
Sutcliffe finishes with 50 SANFL games and 35 goals for the club.
