Just how 'Port' is the Power these days and how long do you think they can continue to use this brandname? After (when the time comes) the Williams name is dissociated from the club is there a chance that the club known as Port Power will just be another composite side that just happens to be based out at Alberton??
Port supporters were proud as punch and rightly so when they gained the second SA licence and many Port fans I know sneered at the possibility of the 'Bluelegs' representing the bluebloods...it wouldn't have been Norwood or Sturt and I reckon pretty soon Port Power will really be Port in name only.
Power fans have been cheering for a successful side that has had Redleg, Rooster, Tigers and all SANFL club players (not forgetting a few Victorians) running around and I guess, as long as Choco and recently Brian Cunningham has been about the place you could still be forgiven for thinking that it was still Port, but soon all that will be left is the Port name.
I reckon that the Port brand name is a paradox: That is, their greatest strength is also their greatest weakness. I wouldn't imagine too many Magpies fans turning their backs on the Power (I know it happens but a minority I would suggest) but at the same time there are supporters of eight other SANFL clubs who wouldn't barrack for the Power because they are called Port. What I'm saying is that Port Adelaide Power will never gain parity in terms of support with the Adelaide Crows.
Just how bad are the crowds going to get if Port start to struggle, in four of the past five seasons, Port have arguably been on a par with the Brisbane Lions as the best in the country but they still didn't consistently draw big crowds. I think another thing that may happen is that if the Magpies happen to prosper locally at the same time as any Power slump then some Power fans may drop off and return to local football, suddenly realising or becoming more aware of the fact that they are following a composite side.
Only time will tell. BTW, this thread is not meant as a Port bashing session or disingenious trolling...what do Port fans think of just how 'composite' Port has become?
regards,
REB