FORMER Fremantle utility Cameron Sutcliffe has joined Port Adelaide as its SANFL leadership player for 2019.
The 26-year-old was recently delisted by the Dockers after 104 games between 2012 and 2018.
Sutcliffe is known for his versatility, his elite running ability and hard work.
South Australian born and raised, he was taken by the Dockers with pick no. 71 in the 2011 National Draft and went on to play in the club’s maiden Grand Final appearance in 2013 before being named Fremantle’s Player of the Finals in 2014.
In 2017, Sutcliffe played in a WAFL premiership with Peel Thunder and in 2018 he played four AFL games, averaging 13 disposals and four marks.
“A few opportunities came my way in the WAFL and the SANFL but I was really interested in the role at Port Adelaide after the SANFL updated its rules recently,” Sutcliffe told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“I know a couple of people at Port Adelaide in Shane Grimm and Chris Davies so when I spoke with Shane on the phone and I came to the club and had a look around, I was even more excited.
“I know the rich history of Port Adelaide. It’s a powerhouse club in South Australia and I am really excited about getting started and leading a Magpies team full of young talent, which will be a great honour.
“There was a pull to go back to the Eagles because I was there before and they have been close to winning a flag recently, but to be able to be a leader at Port Adelaide and to hopefully win a premiership for this great club will be special.”
Sutcliffe was mostly used as a defender during his time at Fremantle but hopes to spend more time on the ball with Port Adelaide.
And he hopes to share the knowledge he has gained about preparation and training during his seven years of experience in the AFL with his new side.
“Having had seven years of AFL experience, getting through the season, stacking the work together in the fitness and strength base and being consistent throughout the year and throughout a career – that’s the kind of knowledge I hope to bring for some of the young guys coming through,” he said.
“I’ve played a lot down back but I would love to play on the ball a bit more. I think I am a pretty versatile player so I am happy to play wherever (Magpies coach) Matty Lokan asks me to.”
Sutcliffe’s signing for two years completes Port Adelaide’s list of SANFL contracted players for 2019.
Port Adelaide SANFL Football Manager Shane Grimm expressed his delight at securing Sutcliffe’s services.
“I’m really pleased that we were able to get Cam to the club,” he said.
“He was a person we really wanted to get into this leadership role because of his experience and qualities both as a player and person.
“We are also thrilled to get on board Matt Appleton, who played 15 league games with North Adelaide last season and won the 2015 reserves Magarey Medal, along with Jack Elsworthy from the Eagles, who is a talented defender and Dallas Hill, who previously played as a key forward at Central Districts.
“It’s great too that we are able to welcome back to the club Tom Corcoran and Adam Mahney after they played elsewhere in 2018.”
Corcoran has previously played eight league games for the Magpies and spent 2018 at Glenelg, while Mahney is the son of Magpies triple premiership player Wayne Mahney and grandson of 1959 premiership player Graham Mahney.
The Magpies’ playing list includes a host of familiar faces from 2018 including Jack Strange, who won the Bruce Weber Memorial Trophy as best team man, Mitch Mead, Levi Proude, Sam Davidson, Simon Wong and Ben Edwards.
The club thanks Jack Kluske, Michael Ortiz, Darcy Ginever and Harrison Morgan, who have each confirmed they will be departing along with long-time captain Steven Summerton.
PORT ADELAIDE SANFL LIST
Cameron Sutcliffe*
Matthew Appleton*
Jack Elsworthy*
Adam Mahney*
Tom Corcoran*
Dallas Hill*
Sam Davidson
Ben Edwards
Mitchell Mead
Levi Proude
Jack Strange
Simon Wong
*indicates players not at the club in 2018
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