The Magpies’ future remained in doubt on Wednesday when the South Australian Football Commission upheld the SANFL directors' decision to block a proposed merger between the Power and Port Adelaide Magpies.
The former SANFL powerhouse could be forced to sell off its only asset, the Prince of Wales Hotel, to remain in the competition this season and will cease to exist beyond 2010 unless another solution to their financial woes emerges.
Tredrea, who grew up watching his father Gary playing in the black and white, is aligned to the Magpies in the SANFL.
AFL-listed players like Adelaide quartet Andrew McLeod, Scott Thompson, Ivan Maric and Scott Stevens are tied to the Magpies, as are Power players Nathan Krakouer, Jacob Surjan, Brett Ebert and Jackson Trengove.
Tredrea last represented his SANFL affiliate in his comeback from injury in 2007 and he said he would be without a home in the local league if he were to play on again next season.
“There’s only one club [for me] in the SANFL and that’s the team I’ve followed. It’ll be interesting if I decide to play on next year what SANFL club I’ll have to visit because I can guarantee you I won’t be going to any other club,” Tredrea said on Thursday.
“When my dad texted me a couple of nights ago and told me [the merger had been voted down] I couldn’t believe it. As someone who was involved in it I was bitterly disappointed and to see [Magpies legend] Russell Ebert’s face yesterday, it was pretty shattering.
“I just think it was a bit on envy and self-focus that has led to that decision being made. I don’t think the overall picture of South Australian football has been looked after at all.”
For the time being, Tredrea will focus on playing for Port Adelaide in the AFL.
Tredrea, 31, has been named in the 29-man squad to take on Adelaide in the NAB Cup opener at AAMI Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Fellow veteran Dean Brogan has been included in the squad, but dual All-Australian Chad Cornes will be rested.
The Power have also named untried quintet Andrew Moore, Jasper Pittard, Mitch Banner, Cameron Hitchcock and Trengove, as well new recruits Jay Schulz and Scott Harding.
Tredrea said the NAB Cup was a perfect opportunity for the club’s young players to stake a claim on a spot in the side for round one.
“We’ve had some senior players retire, but Brendon Lade played as a back-up ruckman for most of the year, Peter and Shaun Burgoyne through form and injury weren’t huge contributors and Toby Thurstans was a valuable contributor but played some time in the SANFL,” he said.
“We’ve replaced those guys with 18-year-old kids. We certainly believe our team can play finals football, but in saying that we’re inexperienced too…but people will breakout and they’ll show you something and add to your group.”
