TOM ROCKLIFF is salivating at the prospect of playing in front of a packed Adelaide Oval, as confirmation emerged yesterday that Brisbane wouldn’t be matching Port Adelaide’s offer to lure the restricted free agent to Alberton.
Rockliff and his family will make the move to South Australia after nine years with the Lions, and the 27-year-old is excited to be joining a “good family club”.
“Playing in Brisbane for so many years, you’re sort of out of the spotlight,” Rockliff told FiveAA yesterday.
“To get over there and play home games at Adelaide Oval in front of 50,000 [fans] is exciting.
“There are no more passionate supporters than Port Adelaide supporters.
“I’ve been on the end of it, so I can’t wait to be on the good side of it.”
The two-time Brisbane Lions club champion paid special tribute to Port Adelaide’s coach Ken Hinkley and skipper Travis Boak, saying the two were extremely influential in his decision-making process.
“They talked me through their position and where they see themselves as a football club, and [talked about] hopefully what I can bring to the group,” he said.
“I’m really confident with the program in place at Port Adelaide and the recruits they’ve had the last few years - all of them have seemed to play better football there.”
“I feel like my best footy is still in front of me.”
In exchange for Rockliff joining the Power, the Lions will receive pick no. 18 in this year’s NAB AFL Draft as compensation.
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