Warren Tredrea addresses the media following his successful Board nomination. Image: Matt Sampson.

WARREN TREDREA has described his first day on the job as a “nice initiation” after becoming a member-elected director of the Port Adelaide Football Club.

Mr Tredrea was elected for a three-year term with 50.9% of a member vote, narrowly edging out the only other candidate Bruce Abernethy by just 199 of the more than 10,000 votes.

A former AFL premiership captain, Mr Tredrea sat in on Friday’s board meeting as an observer before attending the club’s Annual General Meeting that evening.

The at times controversial media commentator said after assessing his current situation he saw a chance to “put (his) money where (his) mouth is” and offer to support his club, feeling fortunate to have been elected over a fellow Port Adelaide great in Mr Abernethy.

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David Koch and Warren Tredrea press conference - 9 February | PTV

David Koch and Warren Tredrea speak to the media at Alberton Oval following Tredrea's election to the board.

“It’s obviously an honour for a bloke who grew up here – I think at five years of age is my earliest memory – so for me to step into the role and to be voted by the members, thank you,” Mr Tredrea said at a press conference on Friday afternoon.

“I’m looking forward to getting my hands dirty and getting involved in the board and helping out.

There’s plenty going on, some good things and some things the club can be excited about.”

Mr Tredrea’s election to the board caps a long connection to Port Adelaide. He played in an SANFL Premiership as a teenager before becoming one of the club’s greatest AFL players across a 14-season career and 255 games.

His view was that his election was not about change, it was about helping the club win premierships in the AFL and AFLW, as he did in 2004.

A former AFL premiership captain, Mr Tredrea sat in on Friday’s board meeting as an observer before attending the club’s AGM on Friday. Image: Matt Sampson.

“This club exists to win premierships”, Mr Tredrea elaborated. “It’s now been 20 years since our last one. They’re not easy to win.

“History would say Port’s been pretty close the last few years so if anything, you offer your expertise to somehow help the people who are paid to do their jobs to get that result.

“As a player, we didn’t get involved in board votes or discussions or governance or those sorts of things. They’re paid to be a professional athlete and that’s no different for the coaches or support staff. My job is to support them.”

Warren Tredrea replaces Kathy Nagle who decided not to re-nominate after completing her three-year term.

Ms Nagle will remain involved in the club as a member of one of the sub-committees.

Port Adelaide Chairman David Koch revealed he had asked Mr Abernethy to be involved in the club’s football sub-committee given his willingness to help the club.