Dear Members and Supporters,
So much has been said and written about Phil Walsh and his contribution to football over the past six days, it is slightly overwhelming.
I don’t believe I can cover any ground that has not already been covered, so I won’t try.
On Thursday night, the Port Adelaide family gets its first real opportunity to respectfully honour the imprint Phil Walsh has left on our club.
10 years of dedicated and passionate service, a premiership, life member. His Port Adelaide resume stacks up well.
But it’s in the tributes from the players he coached, such as Kane and Chad Cornes, Dom Cassisi, Dean Brogan and others that the real depth of his input becomes obvious.
Tomorrow will be a reflective evening.
We will scale back our normal pre and post-match activities, conduct a minute of silence and present a tribute to Phil in a special rendition of Never Tear Us Apart.
There will be no team entry fireworks, banners or club songs in victory. We think this is appropriate and thank Collingwood for their support of our plan.
Then of course, another emotionally charged landmark moment will present itself in the guise of Showdown XXXIX the following week.
Plans are well advanced for this game as well, and while we are all sensitive to the fact that by then two rounds will have passed, the historical significance of this first meeting of Phil’s last two clubs cannot be ignored.
Indeed, I suspect supporters from both clubs will be desperate to be a part of it.
As more detail becomes available, I will pass it on.
In closing, I just want to reassure you that every player, coach and staff member at your club is being cared for.
Our collective thoughts and prayers are for Meredith and her family.
We are comforted in the knowledge that they are surrounded and being supported by the love of their family and closest friends.
We also wish to acknowledge the incredible task ahead of the Adelaide Football Club. They have been outstanding and will continue to receive whatever support we can provide, should they require it.
As challenging as the next two weeks will be for everyone, we know through experience that honouring Phil and his family the right way will ultimately help us all heal.
I look forward to seeing you there tomorrow night.
Regards,
KT
