The future of the Port Adelaide Football Club has been secured by two significant developments.
AFL Chief Executive Andrew Demetriou has committed to Port Adelaide being one of two South Australian teams in the national competition for the long-term.
And the Club has joined the AFL and the SANFL in working towards a strategy that we are confident will deliver the financial support that will take us to Adelaide Oval.
Port Adelaide Football Club President Brett Duncanson said: “It is a great day for our club. It will ensure we are here for another 141 years and beyond.”
In committing to Port Adelaide’s future, Mr Demetriou said: “It is the AFL’s clear position that the best model for our national competition, and for football in South Australia, is to have two strong well-run clubs in the Adelaide Crows and Port Adelaide, delivering 22 matches per season for football fans in the state.”
“We want to assure the members and supporters of the Port Adelaide Football Club that the AFL is committed to the long-term future of the Club, and will continue to closely work with both the Club and the SANFL to identify what further steps need to be taken to ensure the Club’s health off the field, and to enable them to compete strongly in the most challenging sporting stage in Australia.”
Over the coming fortnight, the Club will work with the AFL and the SANFL on a financial model that will deliver long-term financial stability.
In a statement, SA Football Commission Chairman John Olsen and SANFL Executive Commissioner Leigh Whicker said: “We are confident the future of the Club is secure and we’re building the bridge to Adelaide Oval.”
“This is an exciting development for PAFC and South Australian football at all levels.”
Mr Duncanson thanked Mr Olsen and Mr Whicker for their support.
“I am confident our continuing efforts will ensure the Port Adelaide Football Club not only survives, but thrives.”
Details of the financial strategy are yet to be finalised, but they will be worked through over coming days.
Mr Duncanson paid tribute to two outgoing directors of the Club, John Hood and Jane Jeffreys.
“John and Jane have made an outstanding contribution to our board, and we thank them for their commitment.”
Mr Duncanson also praised Darryl Wakelin, who told the board of his intention to stand down several weeks ago. Mr Wakelin resigned to commit more time to his business interests and family.
The coming discussions will also involve exploring options for replacement board members, as the Club, the SANFL and AFL seek to find people with the skills to build on the outstanding work of all of the PAFC Directors.
The Port Adelaide Football Club will continue to keep its members, fans and corporate partners informed, and thanks them for their ongoing support.
