Dear members,
It’s the eve of our first home game of the 2025 season, and this year it holds even greater significance in the 155-year history of the Port Adelaide Football Club.
Travis Boak 393
Tomorrow Travis Boak will play his 393rd game for Port Adelaide, becoming the all-time games record holder for the club, breaking Russell Ebert’s 392 games.
It’s a record Russell has held for more than four decades, and tomorrow the baton is passed on to another Port Adelaide great and I can’t imagine this moment happens again.
Travis Boak was drafted at pick 5 in the 2006 AFL National Draft, a talented star from Torquay, Victoria.
When Russell played his final game for Port Adelaide in 1985 it seemed unimaginable that anyone would ever break this record, especially with the extreme physical demands of the modern AFL game.
As Russell’s son Brett noted in the lead up to this milestone game, "the game is so now fast and so demanding. That is why Trav's achievement is so amazing. This is a physical and brutal game."
Fittingly, there are remarkable similarities when comparing Russell and Travis.
Both Russell and Travis stood firm during the club's darkest hours. Russell remained loyal in the early 1980s when financial difficulties threatened the club's future. Travis showed the same unwavering commitment in 2012 when Geelong came knocking.
That moment in 2012 defined Travis Boak. Selfless. Committed. Loyal.
Russell never wanted to let the Port Adelaide community down – and you see that same loyalty in Travis.
393 games is a lot of football, a lot of pre-seasons, a lot of bruises, a lot of ice baths.
Travis has redefined professionalism in the modern AFL era.
His commitment and professionalism are legendary. From pre-season training adventures in the US to meticulous preparation – he has shaped several eras of players at Port Adelaide, just like Russell.
Captain. Three-time All-Australian. Two-time John Cahill Medallist. Three Showdown Medals spread across eight years, highlighting the remarkable consistency he has maintained across his career.
Trav’s incredible journey from that draft day in 2006 to this historic moment is a testament to his character, resilience and most of all loyalty. Loyalty to his family, his teammates and his football club.
Travis' achievement not only breaks an incredible record but it connects generation after generation of Port Adelaide games record holders.
Bob Quinn to Ted Whelan to Geof Motley to John Cahill to Russell Ebert, and now Travis Boak stands proudly amongst the all-time greats of the Port Adelaide Football Club.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at Adelaide Oval tomorrow to celebrate Travis Boak and this incredible achievement.
There will be a special pre-game moment at approximately 3:35pm tomorrow that you won’t want to miss. Tickets are still available here.
Membership
Today we passed the 60,000 members milestone, and this is the earliest in the year that we’ve ever passed this figure.
Tomorrow, we say thank you to each of you as we launch our first home game of the season with our annual Member Recognition Round.
On behalf of everyone at the club, thank you for your support.
We are looking forward to a big response tomorrow at Adelaide Oval against Richmond, after letting ourselves down in Round 1.
Make sure you get along for what will be an extra special day for the club.
Cheers,
