I recall the first official meeting between Ken, Richo, Kochie and I late last year, where we sat and quietly contemplated what we could expect from our team in season 2013. So much was unknown at that stage, but the principles we would use to guide the Club forward were clear and agreed.
1. we are in this to win
2. it’s going to take time, expect the highs and lows
3. stick together and stay the course
4. we are not just re-building a team, we are re-building faith in our Club
5. be open and accessible. Embrace the football community
6. play a bigger game
7. have fun
I can tell you, limping out of Darwin wasn’t much fun for any of us, and whilst I’m sure the players and coaches won’t spend this week thinking more broadly about our progress, the bye certainly gives the rest of us that opportunity.
So here’s where I think we sit after 10 games.
- 5 wins and 5 losses probably feels worse than it is, because of our recent string of losses. The reality is that the 5 zip start was a little above expectation, and we’re roughly where we thought we would be at this stage of the year. The issue is not so much the win/loss ratio, but the brand of footy we’re playing, which has diminished somewhat in the past few weeks.
Having the courage, and learning to play our way, regardless of the scoreboard or the competition, is a big part of the education process this group is going through, and will continue to go through for some time yet. The positive is that we have unearthed Ollie Wines, Jake Neade, Campbell Heath, Sam Colquhoun, Kane Mitchell and on Saturday Jack Hombsch, all of whom have shown real promise already. Add to that Chad’s outstanding form and our very young talent seem to be settling in well and contributing.
- The Club overall is in significantly better shape. The Port Adelaide community is rallying, we can feel that. Renault as a new major partner, and 40,000+ members have been the highlight of a productive early season period and we continue to see larger crowds attending our games.
These are important symbols for a Club reclaiming a position of significance in this competition. It is critical that we maintain this enthusiasm, both on and off the field, in the second half of the year as we continue to face many challenges. For example, I notice the AFL Reserves competition is being discussed again. Port Adelaide has a very clear position on this important matter.
- the PAFC believes its competitiveness in the AFL would be significantly enhanced if all of its listed players played for Port Adelaide in either the AFL or the SANFL on a permanent basis.
- we also believe that the retention of its recruitment zone and junior structures are culturally significant to the Club, and provide a uniquely powerful connection to the community which must be retained.
- the PAFC’s preferred model is for Port Adelaide to retain the Power brand to compete in the AFL competition, the Magpies to compete in the SANFL league competition in the traditional black and white Guernsey and for all Port Adelaide listed players to compete on an ongoing basis for Port Adelaide in either the AFL or SANFL competitions.
- we agree that the integrity of the SANFL competition must be maintained and one of the most asked questions is how would the AFL Clubs treat SANFL finals. Would they honour them, or send their AFL players off for early surgeries or rest them ahead of the next pre- season?
To this end we would welcome a finals qualification covenant so as to not compromise the SANFL finals. Indeed, Port Adelaide is about winning SANFL premierships and always has been. We would readily work with the SANFL on designing policy to ensure that the Club neither weakened its commitment to winning finals, nor sought to gain unfair advantage over its rivals during such.
- in our preferred model, Port Adelaide would continue to field teams in the SANFL reserves and U18 and U16 competitions, and Academies in our country zones.
In summary, we are seeking to create a structure which enables every listed Port Adelaide player to play for Port Adelaide. This is not about simply creating a Power reserves side. Our preferred structure will be designed to enable both sides (Power and Magpies) to win consistently and ultimately win Premierships.
It will provide opportunities for both players and staff wishing to make football a full time career and enable our Club to establish itself as an employer of choice in this industry. And perhaps most importantly, it will ensure that Port Adelaide continues its 140+ year connection to its community, which includes the Magpies providing support to 39 junior football clubs over 8 different football leagues throughout the state and the Power providing education and football clinics to over 130,000 children per year.
PAFC is committed to SA footy. We believe all of our SANFL Clubs do an outstanding job in providing pathways and development for our junior footballers. We believe the above structure provides the best opportunity for Port Adelaide to further strengthen our contribution to this cause. We have provided the SANFL with our views and look forward to working with all of the Clubs on this matter at the appropriate time.
See you at the footy!
Cheers,
KT
