PORT ADELAIDE Chief Executive Keith Thomas says he wants those affected by the bushfires, which have devastated much of the nation including parts of the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island, to know that the club is with them and will continue to support them as they rebuild their lives.
The club has joined forces with Adelaide Oval, SACA, SANFL and the Adelaide Crows to put on an exhibition T20 cricket match which will see Power players and Crows players joined by some of cricket’s biggest names in a Summer Showdown of a different kind.
100% of net proceeds from ticketing, catering, sponsorship and all other donations for this match will go to the state’s bushfire appeal, which will raise vital funds for people directly affected by bushfires in Cudlee Creek and on Kangaroo Island.
Port Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas said the club was proud to be involved.
“It’s with a heavy heart that we’re in this position – I think we all understand it,” he said at a press conference on Friday afternoon to announce the exhibition match.
“Our goal really is to raise as much money as we possibly can for those people affected and to let them know that we’re with them and that when the fires are out and they’re rebuilding their lives, that football and cricket will be with them.
“It’s going to be an enormous event and we’re looking forward to it.”
The game will be held at Adelaide Oval on Sunday 2 February from 2:30pm
Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas and midfielder Travis Boak were on hand at the announcement with Adelaide’s Rory Sloane and Taylor Walker with each eager to play their part in the contest.
The SACA expects to announce which cricket stars will also be involved in coming days but Adelaide Strikers captain and Port Adelaide ambassador Travis Head is expected to be among the action along with his coach Jason Gillespie.
“I’m a slogger so just clear the front leg and hopefully put a few in the Riverbank stand,” Jonas joked.
“The starting XI is taking shape pretty quickly. Hamish Hartlett rates himself – he reckons he used to keep (wicket) in front of Alex Carey in juniors so that probably counts for a little bit.
“Boaky’s handy, Ryan Burton and a few others. We’ve actually got a few coaches who rate themselves as well, played a bit of state juniors so we’ll see if we can squeeze them in too – Bassett, Schofield, Montgomery, they’re not shy about it.
Jonas said the rivalry between the sides would be just s strong on February 2 as if it was a football game during the AFL season.
“It’s obviously for a great cause and that comes first but naturally as competitive athletes we’ll want to win, especially against the Crows,” he said.
“We’ll go out there and want to put on a good show and hopefully win.”
All tickets will be sold as general admission tickets and will be priced at $20 for adults, $5 for kids and $40 for families.
The State Government has also announced that it will be providing free public transport to all those attending the match.
Tickets to the Showdown Bushfire Benefit will go on sale Tuesday 14 January at 9am through Ticketek.
Donations to the SA Bushfire Appeal can be made here.
