The Port Adelaide Football Club was saddened to hear of the passing of AFL Commission chairman Ron Evans, OAM early this morning.

Port Adelaide Football Club president Greg Boulton has made the following statement:

“Ron has been an outstanding leader of the AFL Commission during a period where there has been exciting developments for football throughout Australia.

“As a person we’ve always found Ron to be a true gentleman, a man of high integrity and a man that had great vision for football at all levels. He was the sort of the guy who could talk with the attendant on the gate or the Prime Minister.

“Ron provided us with a lot of help in our formative years in the AFL, which is something we have always appreciated.

“Ron has given so much to football and has left a lasting legacy on the game that he loved. He will be a big loss to football throughout Australia.

“The Port Adelaide Football Club offers our sincerest condolences to Andrea and family.”

Port Adelaide players will wear black arm bands in tonight’s NAB Challenge game in Ron’s honour.