To Port Adelaide’s Members and Supporters,

As this is my last day as Chief Executive Officer of the Port Adelaide Football Club I am writing to thank you for the support you have shown to me and also to the Club throughout my time in the role.

Since announcing my resignation on Friday 1 July, I have been overwhelmed by the good wishes that I have received from across the Port Adelaide, football and wider communities. From members and past staff to sponsors and administrators both here and interstate, people have been enormously understanding and supportive. On behalf of my family, I thank you all for that support.

I would also like to acknowledge the many friendships I have formed during my time in this role. They are relationships that I know will last long into the future.

But it is your support for the Port Adelaide Football Club that I would most like to acknowledge here. Throughout almost three years in this position, I have been driven by the passion and loyalty our supporters have for this Club. That extends from the Outer Army to the Boardroom. You are part of the team behind the team, and you are helping Port Adelaide compete today but more importantly to build for tomorrow. As I bow out, can I urge you to maintain that support and stay the journey with Port Adelaide as it continues on the path to an exciting future.

That future will see us play our home games at Adelaide Oval and I hope that you take advantage of the opportunity in Round 24 this year when we get a glimpse of what lies ahead. With the support of the AFL, the SANFL and the SACA we will play Melbourne at Adelaide Oval from 2.40pm on Sunday 4 September. It will be the first AFL game played in the city and the last before Adelaide Oval is redeveloped. Make it a date and be there to see history in the making and see out 2011 on a high.

My time as Chief Executive Officer comes to an end on the eve of another Balfours Showdown, which we are desperately keen to win. There was a time when my allegiance in this game might have been different. But as I said when I announced my resignation, I leave the role a Port Adelaide man forever. I am proud to be one of you and to share the commitment and faith our Members and Supporters have for this Club.

Again, thank you for your support and friendship as I have proudly served this Club, and for what I hope will be your ongoing commitment to Port Adelaide.

I hope to see you all at the football for many years to come.

Good luck to the boys on the weekend … let’s get ourselves another Showdown win!

Yours sincerely,

Mark Haysman