Schulz baffled by Port stigma talk

FORMER Richmond forward Jay Schulz says he and fellow Port Adelaide recruit Jay Nash are living proof that there’s no stigma attached to playing for the Power.

Last week player agent Paul Connors, who manages Power captain Dom Cassisi, went on the record as saying that ‘no one wants to play at Port Adelaide’.

Port Adelaide failed to secure a big-name player as part of the Shaun Burgoyne deal during trade week, but Schulz said he didn’t hesitate when offered the chance to return home to South Australia.

“I don’t think they [Connors’ views] are the thoughts of the players. I know Nashy is happy to be here as am I,” Schulz said in Adelaide on Thursday.

“I didn’t hear much about the comments and I think he [Connors] retracted his statements, but I don’t think that’s the focus of anyone in Melbourne. It’s always a hard game when you come to play Port Adelaide whether it’s down here or in Melbourne.

“I’m rapt to come back home to Adelaide. They [the Power] played in a grand final two years ago. It’s just a really exciting thing for me.”

Schulz’s return to Adelaide was a long-time coming.

Port Adelaide made a play for the 24-year-old two years ago, but the deal fell over on the last day of the exchange period.

Schulz, who was taken by the Tigers with pick No.12 in the 2002 NAB AFL Draft, managed just 71 games in seven years at Punt Road but said he was confident his best football was still ahead of him.

“It [joining Port Adelaide] was probably the best decision for both Richmond and myself,” Schulz said.

“This year was a rough one for everyone [at Richmond]. I wasn’t performing [and the club didn’t pick me], which was fair enough, but I still think I’ve got a lot to give.

“I don’t think I’ve achieved what my potential could allow me to achieve. Consistency has always been a thing for me. Hopefully, coming here, meeting the guys and having a set role will help me do that.”

Schulz spent time both up forward and in defence during his stint with Richmond but he’s likely to find a permanent home in attack at Port Adelaide.

The former Woodville-West Torrens junior said he was looking forward to learning from All-Australian centre half-forward Warren Tredrea.

“I want to learn as much as I can from him [Tredrea]. He’s obviously been an excellent forward over the years,” he said.

“I think I can bring some extra bits into the forward line and hopefully win some games as well.

“Now, I just want to get here as soon as possible. I want to start training, meet all the boys, get as fit as I can and play as many games as I can to try and help the club.”