CAM SUTCLIFFE will return to the Port Adelaide Football Club as its SANFL leadership player for 2021.
The versatile 28-year-old initially arrived at Alberton in the same role in 2019, guiding the club to the SANFL Grand Final in his first year as captain while being upgraded through the mid-season draft to the AFL rookie list.
He featured in 14 SANFL games in 2019, averaging 18.4 disposals and five tackles and also represented the club nine times in the AFL, including four times in 2020, kicking five goals and playing a variety of roles.
While he will no longer be on the club’s AFL list, Sutcliffe was excited about remaining with the club in a dual role, which will see him become the Program Coordinator for Port Adelaide’s Power to End Violence Against Women program (PTEVAW).
“I have loved my time at the Port Adelaide Football Club and when I first arrived, I was drawn to the programs it runs in the community,” Sutcliffe said.
“To be able to drive the development of young people, not only on the playing list but also in schools has become a passion for me and I am grateful that the club has given me the opportunity to do both.
“I’m looking forward to pulling on the prison bars again as our club returns to the SANFL competition next year.”
Sutcliffe was originally drafted by Fremantle with pick 71 of the 2011 National Draft and played 104 AFL games for the Dockers before being delisted at the end of the 2018 season.
Port Adelaide General Manager – Football, Chris Davies said Sutcliffe’s leadership and values were a significant reason for his recruitment to the club, and were also a factor in retaining him for 2021.
“Cam has shown over a long period of time that he is both an outstanding player and person,” Davies said.
“Once the SANFL confirmed their rules for 2021, we were eager to keep him attached to our club in order to play an active role in the guidance of our next generation of players.
“He drives standards for his teammates and is the kind of leader who brings players along with him.”
PTEVAW is a primary prevention program aimed at inspiring high school students to have respectful relationships, challenge gender-based stereotypes and become advocates for change.
The General Manager of the club’s community arm, Power Community Limited, Jake Battifuoco said Sutcliffe would be a strong leader for the program.
“We are really pleased to have Cam on board to head up Power to End Violence Against Women,” Battifuoco said.
“Unfortunately, violence against women continues to be an issue in Australia so this program is very important for our football club and the broader community.
“Cam has previously been involved with several of our community programs, and seeing the way he carried himself and interacted with students, I have no doubt that with him leading this program, we will continue to make a positive difference.”
PTEVAW targets year 10 male students in metropolitan and regional schools, and teaches them how to recognise and stand up to disrespect towards women.
The program has engaged with 7500 students since it launched in 2016.
It is run in partnership with Centacare Catholic Family Services and the South Australian Department for Education.
