Five Directors have resigned to allow for a rejuvenation of the Board which will bring additional skills and experience to the club while providing a strong and influential presence in the eastern states.
The new-look Board will be led by respected finance expert and national television host David Koch who has been elected Chairman, with the remaining incoming Directors to be announced soon.
[ Related: Club confirms new Chairman ]
PAFC Chief Executive Officer Keith Thomas said the changes had been driven at Board level as the club prepared for the likely transfer of its AFL licence and the move of its home games to Adelaide Oval from 2014.
“We are on the edge of one of the most exciting periods in Port Adelaide’s history and our Directors have been working throughout the year to ensure the club is best positioned for that,” Mr Thomas said.
“That has involved the Board commissioning an external review to evaluate the Directors’ skill sets to make sure it has the appropriate structure and capabilities to embrace the opportunities ahead.”
“That review was in no way critical of the performance of any Director, but it concluded that the Board needed a greater diversity of skills and also a strong national representation to give the club a profile in the key markets where many major corporate decisions are made regarding sponsorship.
“The Board is now acting on those findings and seizing the opportunity for change and for growth to with the sole goal of ensuring Port Adelaide is successful on and off the field.”
Mr Thomas thanked the outgoing Board members: Director and Chairman Brett Duncanson and Directors Bruce Abernethy, David Basheer, Nick House and Mick O’Connor.
“To the great credit of the Board and these Directors in particular, they have taken a long look at what Port Adelaide needs going forward,” Mr Thomas said.
“They have assessed that and seen the need for change and now they have acted on that to create the way for a new era,” Mr Thomas said.
Deputy Chairman Kevin Osborn paid tribute to his fellow Board members.
“The men who are leaving have provided exceptional service and support to Port Adelaide over many years,” Mr Osborn said.
Mr Duncanson is bringing forward his previously announced decision to stand down as Director and Chairman. He has been an SANFL-appointed Director of Port Adelaide’s AFL operation since 2005 and has served as Chairman since 2009.
Mr Osborn said Mr Duncanson had provided distinguished service to Port Adelaide, having started as a Director of the club’s SANFL board in 1996.
“Brett has served Port Adelaide for the best part of two decades and he has been instrumental in many key areas, including the One Club reunification and assisting the club on its path to Adelaide Oval,” Mr Osborn said.
“Brett has been untiring in his efforts in leading the club as Chairman over the past four seasons, acting with great passion and professionalism.”
Mr Abernethy is standing down from his member-elected position on the Board. In accordance with the Constitution of the Port Adelaide Football Club, his replacement will be nominated by the club and serve out the remainder of his term which expires at the end of 2014.
“Bruce’s contribution to Port Adelaide has extended from his playing days right through to his service as a Director since 2005,” Mr Osborn said.
“As a seven-time premiership player and member of the Port Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame, Bruce’s football exploits are revered among the Port Adelaide community.
“He has also made an important contribution off the field over many years, and we sincerely thank him for that.”
Mr Basheer is standing down after 24 years of continuous service to the Port Adelaide Football Club community, including a period as President of the SANFL division between 2004 and 2006, and as an SANFL-appointed Director since 2008.
“On behalf of the club, I thank David for his extraordinary efforts over such a long journey with Port Adelaide,” Mr Osborn said.
“He has provided great guidance in many areas, but particularly surrounding the efficient operation and expansion of our licensed facilities.”
Mr O'Connor resigns after seven years on the Board as an SANFL-appointed Director.
“Mick has been a great support to the club particularly in recent months in the nation-wide search for new Directors,” Mr Osborn said.
“In addition to serving as a Director, he has been Chairman of the Power Future Fund and was instrumental in forming the Power Bequest Program as well as playing a key role in the development of the club’s state of the art Allan Scott Power Headquarters administration and training facility.”
Mr House departs the Board after three years as an SANFL-appointed Director, with his term due to expire at the end of 2012.
“Nick was also a Board member of the Power Future Fund and has assisted the rapid expansion of the Aboriginal Power Cup through Power Community Ltd,” Mr Osborn said.
“He served on the club's Finance and Audit Committee where he worked tirelessly to improve the club’s financial position.”
