PORT ADELAIDE midfielder Connor Rozee has been appointed club captain replacing the recently retired Tom Jonas.
Rozee, who will wear the club’s number 1 guernsey, becomes the eighth captain in the club’s AFL era.
The two-time All-Australian marked the occasion by signing an eight-year contract extension.
Rozee said he was humbled to be appointed captain of Port Adelaide.
“To be captain of Port Adelaide, a club that is more than 150 years’ old, is a huge honour,” Rozee said.
“It’s so humbling to follow in the footsteps of club greats such as Russell Ebert, Gavin Wanganeen, Matthew Primus, Travis Boak, the list just goes on and on.
“To wear the number 1 guernsey is something I’m incredibly proud of and I won’t take for granted.
“I feel I’m ready to lead our group moving forward. No doubt I’ll learn along the way but I know I’ll have great support from the rest of my leadership group and also former captains Ollie Wines and Travis Boak.”
The 23-year old, recruited with pick 5 at the 2018 National Draft, said he was thrilled to lock in his long-term future at the club.
“Since the day I walked into this club I have never wanted to leave, so to commit for what is likely to be my entire career is pleasing,” Rozee said.
“I love what this club stands for, I’m so connected to the playing group and coaches, I’m confident of where we are heading and I’m a South Australian, so there’s no other club I’d rather call home.”
Port Adelaide senior coach Ken Hinkley offered a glowing endorsement of Rozee.
“Connor is absolutely ready to captain this football club,” Hinkley said.
“He leads by example on game-day, he works his backside off at training and prepares week in and week out like an absolute professional.
“Importantly, he demonstrates genuine care for his teammates and continually drives our culture internally.
“Connor is a very mature 23-year old and is a credit to himself and his family as to how he continues to grow as an individual.
“He represents everything a Port Adelaide captain should represent. He’s skillful, brave, team-first, selfless, humble. As coach, I can’t ask for any more in a captain.”
Hinkley said the club was delighted Rozee had committed long-term.
“Connor is a generational player and a critical component of our midfield,” he said.
“Connor is going to continue to thrill our members and supporters with the way he plays and most importantly, lead our playing group by what he represents as a person and teammate.
“To have him commit to Port Adelaide for the next eight years is a very exciting day for our whole club.”
Fellow midfielder Zak Butters has been appointed vice-captain, while Sam Powell-Pepper, Dan Houston and Willem Drew form part of the broader leadership group.
Hinkley said the balance of the new-look leadership group was very pleasing.
“Each one of the leaders who will support Connor bring something unique to the group,” Hinkley said.
“It’s exciting to have another 23-year old in Zak Butters join Connor as vice-captain. It talks to the shared commitment to take our club forward in the long-term.
“Since the day they were drafted together both Connor and Zak have been great mates, continually pushing each other to get better.
“Like Connor, Zak leads by example with way he trains, prepares and plays. He’s relentless in his pursuit of success and together with Connor, our club is in great hands for the future.
“It’s also a great reward for Sam, Dan and Willem to be included in our broader leadership group. In way or another, they’ve all overcome some adversity along the way and have grown as leaders within our group both on and off the field.
“It’s great recognition to each one of them for the way they are respected by their teammates and coaches.”
Connor Rozee fact file
DOB: 22 January 2000
Drafted with pick 5 at the 2018 National Draft
AFL debut: Round 1 2019 vs Melbourne at the MCG
Games: 106
Goals: 98
Honours:
- John Cahill Medallist 2022
- All Australian 2022, 2023
- Port Adelaide leading goalkicker 2019
- Peter Badcoe VC Medal 2022, 2023
- Showdown Medal 2022
