The past few weeks have been consumed by the debate as to whether or not the two Adelaide AFL Clubs should be allowed to enter support teams into the SANFL competition, and if so, what conditions should be applied to ensure that such a move benefits all parties concerned.
Since my last CEO update, a few significant developments have occurred.
-The Adelaide Football Club has been granted entry into the SANFL, under a set of conditions which they have agreed to.
- The SANFL has informed Port Adelaide that it is in a position to invite us to promote a PAFC support team on the same terms and conditions as those applied to the Adelaide Football Club. Such approval would require Port Adelaide to dismantle its junior program and recruitment zone, and embrace the top up system as applied to AFC. It has requested that we indicate whether we wish to enter a team under those conditions.
We have responded to the SANFL, reaffirming that we would not be prepared to enter a PAFC support team in the SANFL under the same conditions as the Adelaide Football Club, preferring to maintain our status quo position for season 2014.
We are still seeking to create a future Port Adelaide structure that achieves the following:
- Provides our Club with the best possible chance to win AFL premierships.
- Ensures that the Magpies are retained, fiercely competitive and intent on winning premierships.
- Provides a pathway for junior footballers to develop their skills and love of the game at Port Adelaide, enabling them to ultimately realise their dream of playing league football for the Magpies, or if they are good enough, get drafted into the AFL competition.
Next Steps
The SANFL and its Clubs need to decide whether they wish to invite us to re-join their competition under a new set of Port Adelaide-specific conditions which would enable us to achieve the above criteria.
If not, we will prepare for season 2014 to be status quo as previously stated, and use next year to develop an alternative plan for season 2015 and beyond.
On a brighter note, congratulations to Brett Ebert on an outstanding career. The way he handled his retirement was a credit to him and his family, and we plan to duly honour Brett’s achievements at our next home game.
Just on that, the Carlton game is one not to be missed!
I know every Port Adelaide supporter is aware of its significance to our season, but it’s going to be a cracking event with a pre match Legends game, the Power boys playing in the traditional Port Adelaide strip, live music at the ground and heaps more. You can see all those details for Round 23 here.
I will be back in touch next week.
KT
