James Meiklejohn announces retirement

[RustyCage]

The Port Adelaide Football Club extends its thanks and congratulates captain JAMES MEIKLEJOHN on his retirement from SANFL football.

The skipper will play his final two games against the Bloods and Tigers over the next fortnight.

Meiklejohn, 29, joined the Magpies in 2005 after being rookie-listed by the Sydney Swans in the 2004 season.

Making his debut against the Panthers in Round 1 that year, Meiklejohn has gone on to play 162 League games.

He took over the captaincy in 2010 after the departure of a number of experienced players and has since steered the club’s young squad successfully.

Senior coach Ken McGregor praised Meiklejohn for his strong and passionate leadership of the club during the 2013 season.

“A true captain leads with both his actions and his words,” McGregor said.

“Jimmy has proven worthy of the prestigious title of captain of the Port Adelaide Football Club time and time again.

“He has that unique ability to be strong and demanding on his teammates when required but also supportive when they need someone to back them up.

“I have only been at the club a year but Jimmy is widely regarded as one of the best captains in the SANFL and he will be sorely missed by the group as a leader, a player and a friend.”

Port Adelaide chief executive officer praised Meiklejohn’s leadership since taking on the captaincy in 2010.

“Jimmy has led the Maggies through a difficult period, but I don’t think there would be anyone out there who could find fault with the way he has carried himself and the team during that time,” said Mr Thomas.

“He wears his heart on his sleeve and has always been available and willing to give his time and service to this club on and off the field.

“We know the regard he is held in among the competition for his leadership and attitude on the field, it’s something that he can be very proud of.

“Leading Port Adelaide in the SANFL takes a special type of person and the club has been privileged to have a guy like Jimmy play and captain the club for the last nine years.”

Meiklejohn’s final match at Alberton Oval will be on Sunday 1 September when the Magpies host the Bloods at 2:10pm.

His final match for the club will be at Glenelg Oval against the Tigers on Saturday 7 September at 4:30pm.

http://portmagpies.com.au/news.php?news_id=1056

[JK]

Been a super representative of the Port Footy club both on and off the field, so best of luck to the big fella. Would suggest that would mean an announcement about the Power reserves next year isn't far away.

[SDK]

The Norwood players and coaching staff always rated this guy as a key factor to overcome if we were to beat the Magpies.
Well done big fella.

[heater31]

Been a super representative of the Port Footy club both on and off the field, so best of luck to the big fella. Would suggest that would mean an announcement about the Power reserves next year isn't far away.

hmmm Does he know something that we don't?


But aside from that yes, Great servant of his club on and off the field and even when pulling on a State Jumper too.

[Aerie]

Been one of the best ruckman for a long time. The end of an era.

[SDK]

JK the clubs would need to vote that in too. WOW what would a 8 - 0 NO vote do
Pretty obvious the Magpies licence will not be renewed after next year anyway.

[JK]

JK the clubs would need to vote that in too. WOW what would a 8 - 0 NO vote do
Pretty obvious the Magpies licence will not be renewed after next year anyway.

The vote that was taken already allows the Power in under the same setup as the Crows.

I've met the big fella a couple of times and he was always polite and good to talk with, and always wore a loss heavily even into the evening. My Port mates spent plenty of time with him, and have never said anything other than how much of a top lad he is.

[DOC]

I reckon he will wear red,white and blue next year.

[Mr Beefy]

I reckon he will wear red,white and blue next year.

Yep, Rosewater!!!

[Brodlach]

I reckon he will wear red,white and blue next year.

Yep, Rosewater!!!

He would be handy in either divi 5 or 6

[Mr Beefy]

I reckon he will wear red,white and blue next year.

Yep, Rosewater!!!

He would be handy in either divi 5 or 6

More than handy, but I just made that up!

[Brodlach]

I reckon he will wear red,white and blue next year.

Yep, Rosewater!!!

He would be handy in either divi 5 or 6

More than handy, but I just made that up!

Yes mate, I guessed that but your powers are pretty far reaching

[Big Phil]

I reckon he will wear red,white and blue next year.

I think he is going home to Sydney...

[heater31]

Been a super representative of the Port Footy club both on and off the field, so best of luck to the big fella. Would suggest that would mean an announcement about the Power reserves next year isn't far away.

hmmm Does he know something that we don't?


But aside from that yes, Great servant of his club on and off the field and even when pulling on a State Jumper too.

Retiring Port Adelaide Magpies captain James Meiklejohn predicts Power reserves in SANFL in 2014

It appears he does....

[Booney]

The vote that was taken already allows the Power in under the same setup as the Crows.
I've met the big fella a couple of times and he was always polite and good to talk with, and always wore a loss heavily even into the evening. My Port mates spent plenty of time with him, and have never said anything other than how much of a top lad he is.

Which is still, in all reality, an unknown.

[Slots It Through]

I reckon he will wear red,white and blue next year.

I think he will head to Melbourne. He was close to moving there this year, as he had a good job offer over there.

[Hodges 153!]

I reckon he will wear red,white and blue next year.

I think he will head to Melbourne. He was close to moving there this year, as he had a good job offer over there.

On the money, from what Ive heard.

Sad day, we'll miss him off the field as much as on it.

[Macca19]

Didnt think he'd make much of a crack here after a pretty ordinary first year but he improved out of sight in his second season and beyond and turned into a reliable, consistent, high class footballer and leader of our club. Well done Jimmy!

[beenreal]

Didnt think he'd make much of a crack here after a pretty ordinary first year but he improved out of sight in his second season and beyond and turned into a reliable, consistent, high class footballer and leader of our club. Well done Jimmy!

I remember watching Tim Ginever introduce Jimmy to David Hynes at an after-match at the Lakes. Couldn't help but eavesdrop as they talked ruck work and the PAFC for what seemed like hours.