PAUL STEWART has been delisted by Port Adelaide after a 101-game career at Alberton.
The utility played 14 AFL games in 2016 and won the Bruce Weber Memorial Trophy as the club’s best team man in the SANFL.
Stewart was brought to Alberton with pick 23 in the 2006 National Draft with selection 23 from Woodville-West Torrens.
“It’s been a good 10 years at the club, and I’ve been proud to play one game for the club let alone my 100th this year,” Stewart said.
“It’s been a real once-in-a-lifetime journey, and I want to thank my family, my partner Kirra and her family for all their support.
“I want to thank the footy club for the opportunity, my coaches Mark Williams, Matty Primus and Ken Hinkley, the assistants, support staff, my management at TLA, the old boys and ladies in the kitchen and all my teammates over the 10 years.
“I especially want to thank all the fans for their support during my career.”
Stewart told portadelaidefc.com.au he will explore the chance to continue playing footy again in 2017, but is particularly interested in exploring opportunities as a player manager.
“My body feels the best it’s been for a while, so I’d be keen to continue playing, but I’m also really interested in staying involved in the game as a player manager or by helping with player development.”
Ken Hinkley said Stewart’s conduct during the 2016 season, particularly as a mentor for younger players, was exemplary.
“Paul has given 10 outstanding years of service to Port Adelaide and is one of those courageous players who will do any job you give him,” Hinkley said.
“Such is the quality of Paul Stewart as a club man that he was encouraging me to give players like Riley Bonner a go, so they could become exposed to AFL football.
“He’s always understood the nature of the game, especially in terms of developing youth, and I think it’s a credit to him the way he’s conducted himself this past year, it’s not a surprise that he wants to remain involved in the game in a management and development role going forward.”
Port Adelaide will finalise its list for the 2017 season as part of its first list lodgement to the AFL on Monday 31 October.
