PORT ADELAIDE SANFL Captain Steven Summerton has admitted having to “bite his tongue” after being dropped to the Reserves last year because of league
The three-time best and fairest winner is highly regarded both inside and outside Alberton, having also claimed the 2014 R-O. Shearman medal – the award given to the league’s best player, as judged by the coaches.
SANFL rules regarding Port Adelaide and Adelaide’s requirement to play AFL listed players when they are available saw Summerton unfortunately relegated to the Reserves on five occasions in 2017, but the rules have been changed, meaning the 30-year-old will be able to continue to lead the senior side on the field each week.
“With a few different rules I had to just bite my tongue and play a few reserves games here and there but I’m here to put the club first and that’s why I’m still here,” Summerton said
“I’m still chasing the dream, still chasing that Premiership and hopefully this is the year to do it.”
Summerton has played more than 200-games since his debut in 2006 but said seeing some of the club’s greats at the gala night still excited him.
“Seeing some of the past legends here tonight it sends a shiver up your spine,” he said.
“There is a lot at stake when you put on the prison bars.”
Summerton has a new coach this season in Matthew Lokan, who returns to the club where he played 112 SANFL games, after four years with Glenelg.
Lokan said he expected success in 2018 and into the future.
“We’re under no illusions, we’re here to win, he said.
“From when I sat down with (AFL Coach) Ken (Hinkley) and Chris Davies when I first came, it has been my expectation that we’re here to win games and we’re here to win Premierships.
“Chad (Cornes) and the boys were really close last year and this year we’re looking to go one better so we’re looking forward to getting started.”
Port Adelaide will play Adelaide at Alberton Oval from
The Magpies get their 2018 SANFL season underway against the Crows at Alberton Oval on March 31.
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