FORMER Fremantle utility Cameron Sutcliffe will captain Port Adelaide in the SANFL in season 2019.

Sutcliffe joined Port Adelaide as its SANFL leadership player in December after 104 AFL games with the Dockers between 2012 and 2018.

The 26-year-old has had a strong impact on his new teammates since his arrival with his leadership and preparation.

Coach Matthew Lokan said he was the obvious choice in a young and relatively inexperienced side.

“Cam has great qualities both as a player and as a person and he brings a lot of experience to the group,” Lokan said.

“He knows the history of this great club and he will lead it with pride.”

Sutcliffe described being named captain of Port Adelaide as among the highest honours of his career.

“It’s really special, especially knowing the guys who have come before me,” he said.

“There are some absolute legends of the club who have been captain and I hope I can emulate what they have achieved in the past and win some premierships – that’s my main goal.

“I’ve never been a captain of any grade but to be given that opportunity at such a great club and to lead the boys out each week is a huge honour for me and my family.”

Known for his versatility, his elite running ability and hard work, Sutcliff has signed for the Magpies for two years.

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.

The Magpies face South Adelaide in a trial game at 6:15pm on Friday 8 March at Noarlunga Oval and get their season underway against West Adelaide at Richmond Oval on Friday 29 March.