Dear members and supporters,
It’s been a while since my last communication, and much has happened in that time. As we often say, the Port Adelaide journey is always interesting!
I’d like to share with you some of the background to the big issues we’ve been dealing with over the past month.
Senior Coach
We are within a few days of announcing the name of our new coach.
We’re probably a week to ten days behind our ideal schedule but unfortunately, as things panned out, this was largely unavoidable.
Far from being farcical, our process has been very diligent. But the combination of Johnny Mac’s accident and funeral, and then the involvement of several of the top candidates in the finals series, has slowed us down a bit.
In the overall scheme of things it’s a bit frustrating, but not a big issue.
This process is about building the best coaching structure possible. We are committed to this cause.
I suspect Brett Ratten dropping out immediately after presenting was more about how he’s feeling after his Carlton experience. Senior coaching is a gruelling game, and for all of his energy and passion Brett simply decided that jumping so quickly back into the frying pan may not be the ideal scenario for him.
Leon Cameron’s decision was a disappointment I must say. He was really impressive and whilst we didn’t get to the point of formally offering him the job, he certainly would have been a strong contender. We wish him well at GWS.
Our policy is to avoid providing commentary on candidates still in the mix. All I can say at this stage is that the list is strong and has actually strengthened as the process has unfolded.
We are close to the unveiling. Stay tuned.
Chairman
I think the David Koch appointment is excellent for the football club. It satisfies one of our great needs, to grow the Port Adelaide community and our corporate relevance beyond the confines of South Australia.
We compete on the national stage in an elite competition. Our profile in the eastern states has dwindled in the past few years and I’m sure David will help us in that area enormously.
He is a hard core Port Adelaide man, who happens to live in Sydney and talks to a couple of million people a week through Sunrise - there’s a fair bit to like about that.
But it’s his clarity on business issues and passion for the club that most impress. We’re very much looking forward to working with him.
The remainder of the new Board members will be announced soon.
Former Board Directors
Eternal credit must be given to the five outgoing Board Directors, for their enormous contribution of time, energy and passion for the Club.
Symbolic of this commitment was the process of self-evaluation that they initiated throughout 2012 to determine the best Board structure for the Club going forward.
The review - which included external assistance - resolved that a greater diversity of skills and a stronger Eastern Seaboard presence would strengthen the Board’s capacity.
The resignations of Brett Duncanson, Bruce Abernethy, Mick O’Connor, Nick House and David Basheer pave the way for a rejuvenation that will equip the club to meet the challenges ahead.
It has been an honour serving these guys and I’m sure they will continue to be welcome contributors to the club in the years to come.
The only Director up for election by our members this year is Alex Panas. If necessary, we will have that election in December.
Pearcey and Chappy
I’d like to thank Danyle Pearce and Troy Chaplin for their long service to the Port Adelaide Football Club.
The boys are departing Alberton and go to Fremantle and Richmond respectively, with our best wishes.
The era of free agency is with us and that has changed the market place a bit. Different clubs place different values on players, depending on the needs of their lists at a particular time.
There is a lot to consider and to weigh up, and our football general manager Peter Rohde, national list manager Jason Cripps together with other key staff and our football strategy committee are overseeing that from our end.
Pearcey and Chappy are 100+ game players and beyond having their names on their lockers forever and a day, they will always be Port Adelaide boys and will always be welcome at Alberton where they have many friends.
On behalf of the club and all members and supporters, I wish them all the best at their new clubs.
As a club, we have our own plans in the free agency and trade period and we expect to be active.
We’ll share those with you when we are able to.
Johnny Mac
I won’t dwell on this other than to say that I was very proud of the way that our club rallied to support John’s family, and our own family through this tragic event.
Our duty of care continues. Thank you to everyone who has sent messages of support.
Can’t wait to start talking about the future changes with you. Very exciting.
Cheers,
KT
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