KEN HINKLEY and his team don’t need a reminder of what is riding on the result of next Friday’s Preliminary Final, but they may not be aware that there is more than just a Grand Final berth on the line.
Hot on the heels of ARIA Hall of Famer Jimmy Barnes offering to sing for free if Port makes the decider, it has emerged that one die-hard club member has made an offer of his own that is equally as significant – within his family at least.
Back in 2011, Port member David Powell made a promise to his long-term partner Veronica Patterson that he would propose to her one day, but only if Port Adelaide made the Grand Final.
While there may have been a few nervous moments in 2014 when Port got close, Veronica’s family is hoping this might be the year.
“I’ve been with Veronica for about 15 years but I’ve been married before and I always said I’d never do it again,” David told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“I happened to make the claim that the only time I would (propose) is if Port Adelaide get to the Grand Final but this was back in 2011 when things weren’t going so well.
“I said it at a family barbecue which was probably a bit silly.
“The family has never forgotten and they’ve all been on me this year telling me I’d better start shopping for rings.
“Even Veronica’s grandmother, who is 104, has reminded me.”
David joked that the family has missed the fine print in the deal.
“I’ve told them, obviously they haven’t heard the other part of the deal, which I’ve added recently that they’ve got to not only get there, but they need to win it, and win it by 100 points,” he laughed.
“The closer the boys have got, the more things I’ve added to (the deal).
“It was an off the cuff remark but now let’s just hope they get there.”
For her part, there is no pressure from Veronica, although she admits she would definitely take up David’s offer if Port can win its Prelim against either Richmond or St Kilda next Friday night.
“The unfortunate thing is that he said his off the cuff remark in front of my whole family so that was his big mistake. I’ve got a massive family and it’s been a running joke this whole time.
“We had dinner with the family last week and even my niece asked if he’s been going to jewellery shops.
“In all honesty we just really want them to get to the Grand Final because we have been waiting for years and we are so proud of what they have achieved this year.
“If it was down to the ring or the premiership, I’d probably lean towards the premiership but I’d love both!”
The couple is planning on getting to Brisbane for the Grand Final should Port get there and Veronica has a message for Hinkley and the team.
“We could remind them how much is riding on the result but I just want them to go out and play with the passion and heart they’ve got in them,” she said.
“They never go out as a team, they run out like a family and we love that about them.”
