THE PORT ADELAIDE FOOTBALL CLUB is immensely proud of its heartland and has taken the opportunity in recent weeks to spend more time with some football clubs in the district.

Junior players from the Rosewater, Portland, North Haven and Port District Football Clubs played the curtain raisers in stiflingly hot conditions at Adelaide Oval ahead of the Power’s Round 3 AFL clash against Brisbane.


On Monday, Power players visited each of the clubs to assist with training, as well as photograph and signing sessions.That was after they were also involved in curtain raisers before the JLT Community Series match between Port Adelaide and Adelaide at Alberton last month.

Paddy Ryder and Tom Marshall ventured to the Portland Football Club, while Steven Motlop was among those who went to Port District.

Sam Gray, Karl Amon, Kane Farrell and Joel Garner visited the Rosewater Football Club, which has around 120 junior footballers in five grades from under eights to under 16s.

Rosewater’s Junior President Matt Morris said his under 14 team was thrilled to have Port Adelaide continue the links between the clubs, which are almost a stone’s throw away from each other.

“The kids just love the atmosphere of playing on Adelaide Oval and they’ve got all their favourite football players out there and to walk out on that massive oval in a real spectacle, the kids had a blast,” he said.

“We’ve been really lucky that even though the SANFL zones have changed, Port Adelaide has always looked after us and they still come out and share with the kids to put back into junior footy.

“Having the Port players come out and spend some time with the kids is amazing.

“Obviously a lot of these kids are aspiring to get to that level so for them to have these stars come out and have a training session really helps them see how close it could be.”

Port Adelaide’s Power Community Ltd Youth Programs Manager Jake Battifuoco said Rosewater and the other local clubs have always been an important part of the Port Adelaide community.

“The Port Adelaide Football Club has had a long standing history with our four heartland clubs through the previous Magpies development zone.

“It has been great to reengage with these clubs in the lead up to their 2018 season and we look forward to continuing our support.”

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