TROY WINGATE

Meet Troy Wingate, a member of the club since 2006 and currently a Club 1870 member ... Troy spoke to Lauren Sherman about his passion for Port Adelaide. 

What does Port Adelaide mean to you?

It’s a tradition, history and culture. It’s hard to put into words how much the club means to our family. Port Adelaide is our religion. Mum has joked saying “I’m off to church now,” and people ask “what church do you go to?”... “Alberton,” she says.

Best Port Adelaide memory?

Apart from the ‘04 Grand Final, like most people, it was a game at Skilled Stadium in ’07. It was hot and I had a throbbing headache, but would jump up with the cheer squad after every goal we kicked. During the last few minutes we were behind, and the crowd was on edge, then just before the siren Cassisi kicked a winner and the crowd went wild!

Favourite all time player and why?

It would be Tredders. His work ethic and persistence through injury was inspiring. In '09 I told friends he’d kick 50 goals that year, despite coming back from injury, and he kicked 51. Being a basketball fan, I saw him as the football version of Michael Jordan. My current favourite is Brad Ebert.

How do you celebrate a Port Adelaide win?

We always stay behind and sing the club song, then go back to the club for the post-match event and have a quick chat with the players and interact with other members.

How do you show your support for the club?

I have a Power logo tattoo, my car number plate is ‘POWER’ and I used to have the club logo ‘V’ painted on the bonnet of my car. Thankfully, the car was never touched. I might also have a Magpie tattoo in the future.

Are you excited about the move to Adelaide Oval? What do you think this will do for South Australian football and the club?

I can’t wait! I was at the game against Melbourne and it felt like we were home again, even though Alberton has been home for so long. Hopefully more people come on board with membership and we get some big crowds at Adelaide Oval.

What would be your message to supporters thinking of joining the club?

Club success depends on our members as well as on-field performance. If you love your football club, become a member now! 

Don’t wait! Purchase your 2013 Port Adelaide Football Club membership by 28 February 2013 to receive first priority to the equivalent category of seating at the newly developed Adelaide Oval in 2014.

Show your true passion! Click here to join the club today.