Port Adelaide 2017

[Booney]

To the Football Department,

Firstly, may I congratulate the whole football department on the recent free agency and trade period. All of the members and supporters of the Port Adelaide Football Club could ask for no more than the recruitment of three players who walk straight into our best 22 for round 1 in 2018. Rocky, Mots and Watto we welcome you to the PAFC family and wish you well in the summer ahead and going into your first season at the PAFC in 2018. You can now proudly say #weareportadelaide #carnthepear. See you at Adelaide Oval.

Adding to our midfield depth and our forward of centre mix we look to have target recruited players who instantly make our side better and bolster areas most observers felt we needed to. Support for our midfield and more options forward of centre.

Then during the trade period we granted the wishes of five players who were seeking greater opportunities at other clubs. To Lobbes, Arch, Youngy, Jars and Jacko we thank you for the commitment you showed to our club, thank you for the blood, sweat and tears you gave for our club and all members and supporters of the PAFC wish you all the best in your on field and off field future.

Unfortunately in 2017 none of the above mentioned were able to truly cement a spot in our AFL side and by giving these players the opportunity to seek a new start elsewhere we have shown that we were committing to a new path. A path that includes recruiting and keeping players we see in our best 22 and who are set for a tilt at top 4 finishes for the next 2-3 years or those who we see as the future of the club, the next generation of Port Adelaide AFL players. The likes of Marshall, Atley, Drew, Frampton etc. Your time will come boys, it will come.

This then leads me to the discussion this weekend just gone that suggests the club may be interested in the services of North Melbourne’s Lindsay Thomas if, as expected, he is delisted by the NMFC. Thomas, who turns 30 in February has played 205 games and kicked 329 goals across 11 seasons at North. A solid career at AFL level. Much maligned by opposition fans over the years and at times by North fans, Thomas struggled to hold his post in the North Melbourne AFL side in 2017. Dropped from the AFL side that managed just 6 wins in 2017 he played 9 games and kicked 5 goals. Disciplinary issues cost him several weeks at VFL level.

Which brings me to ask this, where does Thomas fit in the program the football department entered into during the trade / free agency period?

Does he fit into our best 22? I would think that’s unlikely with Robbie Gray, Chad Wingard, Steve Motlop, Sam Gray and Tom Rockliff holding down spots in our forward half rotations with Jake Neade and Karl Amon potentially starting in the SANFL with the Magpies.

Is he the future of the club and part of the next generation to take us forward? Turning 30 at the start of 2018, that’s a simple “No”.

Now while there are people who are far, far more credentialed than I am to form our playing list and this group in recent times has been able to create a system that has made our club a destination for the likes of Angus Monfries, Jared Polec, Paddy Ryder and Charlie Dixon I have to question, on behalf of all members and supporters, is the media simply offering some post season scuttlebutt or is there genuine interest from our club in Thomas?

If we believe we need back up for the back up then may we look to one of our very own, one from our heart land, Robbie Young. Robbie has shown commitment to our club, has worked extremely hard on the defensive side of his game and has natural goal sense.

Listening to a beer swilling punter from the Riverbank Stand won’t get us our next premiership but I can’t help but think I can try….

3rd generation Port Adelaide member proudly sharing my love for our club with a 4th generation.

#since1975
#weareportadelaide

[MW]

Maybe Thomas is insurance in case R.Gray is not ready for rd1 due to his cancer scare?

[Brodlach]

Would think Neade would be in front of Thomas.

Nice letter.

[Booney]

Maybe Thomas is insurance in case R.Gray is not ready for rd1 due to his cancer scare?

If that's the case then Wingard, S.Gray and Motlop play around the feet of Dixon and Watts with a mid in Rockliff, Ebert or Boak moving through there.

This still leaves Neade, Amon and Palmer in the Magpies.

[MW]

Maybe Thomas is insurance in case R.Gray is not ready for rd1 due to his cancer scare?

If that's the case then Wingard, S.Gray and Motlop play around the feet of Dixon and Watts with a mid in Rockliff, Ebert or Boak moving through there.

This still leaves Neade, Amon and Palmer in the Magpies.

True. Odd move.
At least the old timer we recruited from North was playing games

[valleys07]

With relation to Thomas, could it be a Henry Slattery type of move?

Come back for a season as depth, play with the Pies where it all started and then transition into an off field role, perhaps with our Aboriginal Academy??

[Booney]

With relation to Thomas, could it be a Henry Slattery type of move?

Come back for a season as depth, play with the Pies where it all started and then transition into an off field role, perhaps with our Aboriginal Academy??

That's the only thing I can see, so maybe just a spot on the rookie list?

[valleys07]

With relation to Thomas, could it be a Henry Slattery type of move?

Come back for a season as depth, play with the Pies where it all started and then transition into an off field role, perhaps with our Aboriginal Academy??

That's the only thing I can see, so maybe just a spot on the rookie list?

I am thinking that.

Crippa was interviewed on AA post trade period, and did hint that we could enter next season with a primary list of 38-39 and 6-7 rookies.

[Dutchy]

All yours Port

[The Bedge]

I hope Port pick up Lindsay Thomas.. then he can come play cricket for me - I need a quick opener!

[gadj1976]

The AFL ain’t letting Lynch leave the Suns. They will ensure he gets his worth.
They are paying Weller $600k outside of the cap so imagine what they would give Lynch

If Lynch were to move, it has Collingwood written all over it.

Collingwood are clearly putting something together given their lack of trade period activity.

[Rik E Boy]

Rockliff is quality but Motlop is a lazy **** and Watts is even worse. Good luck with that. You've already got a massive hair gell brigade so Watts will have wait in line, or comb his beard with other useless gits like Westhoff who laughably still gets a game despite being one of the premier space guarders in the business.

Essendon have done better in the trade period and Port will still struggle to beat top eight opposition next year. No top four for you.

regards,

REB

[Booney]

Surprise surprise, Riko doesn't rate anyone who isn't in hoops.

[MW]

Surprise surprise, Riko doesn't rate anyone who isn't in hoops.

He doesn't rate us either

[cracka]

Surprise surprise, Riko doesn't rate anyone who isn't in hoops.

Yep, they're a weird lot those Geelong supporters

[daysofourlives]

To the Football Department,

Firstly, may I congratulate the whole football department on the recent free agency and trade period. All of the members and supporters of the Port Adelaide Football Club could ask for no more than the recruitment of three players who walk straight into our best 22 for round 1 in 2018. Rocky, Mots and Watto we welcome you to the PAFC family and wish you well in the summer ahead and going into your first season at the PAFC in 2018. You can now proudly say #weareportadelaide #carnthepear. See you at Adelaide Oval.

Adding to our midfield depth and our forward of centre mix we look to have target recruited players who instantly make our side better and bolster areas most observers felt we needed to. Support for our midfield and more options forward of centre.

Then during the trade period we granted the wishes of five players who were seeking greater opportunities at other clubs. To Lobbes, Arch, Youngy, Jars and Jacko we thank you for the commitment you showed to our club, thank you for the blood, sweat and tears you gave for our club and all members and supporters of the PAFC wish you all the best in your on field and off field future.

Unfortunately in 2017 none of the above mentioned were able to truly cement a spot in our AFL side and by giving these players the opportunity to seek a new start elsewhere we have shown that we were committing to a new path. A path that includes recruiting and keeping players we see in our best 22 and who are set for a tilt at top 4 finishes for the next 2-3 years or those who we see as the future of the club, the next generation of Port Adelaide AFL players. The likes of Marshall, Atley, Drew, Frampton etc. Your time will come boys, it will come.

This then leads me to the discussion this weekend just gone that suggests the club may be interested in the services of North Melbourne’s Lindsay Thomas if, as expected, he is delisted by the NMFC. Thomas, who turns 30 in February has played 205 games and kicked 329 goals across 11 seasons at North. A solid career at AFL level. Much maligned by opposition fans over the years and at times by North fans, Thomas struggled to hold his post in the North Melbourne AFL side in 2017. Dropped from the AFL side that managed just 6 wins in 2017 he played 9 games and kicked 5 goals. Disciplinary issues cost him several weeks at VFL level.

Which brings me to ask this, where does Thomas fit in the program the football department entered into during the trade / free agency period?

Does he fit into our best 22? I would think that’s unlikely with Robbie Gray, Chad Wingard, Steve Motlop, Sam Gray and Tom Rockliff holding down spots in our forward half rotations with Jake Neade and Karl Amon potentially starting in the SANFL with the Magpies.

Is he the future of the club and part of the next generation to take us forward? Turning 30 at the start of 2018, that’s a simple “No”.

Now while there are people who are far, far more credentialed than I am to form our playing list and this group in recent times has been able to create a system that has made our club a destination for the likes of Angus Monfries, Jared Polec, Paddy Ryder and Charlie Dixon I have to question, on behalf of all members and supporters, is the media simply offering some post season scuttlebutt or is there genuine interest from our club in Thomas?

If we believe we need back up for the back up then may we look to one of our very own, one from our heart land, Robbie Young. Robbie has shown commitment to our club, has worked extremely hard on the defensive side of his game and has natural goal sense.

Listening to a beer swilling punter from the Riverbank Stand won’t get us our next premiership but I can’t help but think I can try….

3rd generation Port Adelaide member proudly sharing my love for our club with a 4th generation.

#since1975
#weareportadelaide

Did you actually write this to the club?
I could see Morrell doing this but Booney?

[amber_fluid]

To the Football Department,

Firstly, may I congratulate the whole football department on the recent free agency and trade period. All of the members and supporters of the Port Adelaide Football Club could ask for no more than the recruitment of three players who walk straight into our best 22 for round 1 in 2018. Rocky, Mots and Watto we welcome you to the PAFC family and wish you well in the summer ahead and going into your first season at the PAFC in 2018. You can now proudly say #weareportadelaide #carnthepear. See you at Adelaide Oval.

Adding to our midfield depth and our forward of centre mix we look to have target recruited players who instantly make our side better and bolster areas most observers felt we needed to. Support for our midfield and more options forward of centre.

Then during the trade period we granted the wishes of five players who were seeking greater opportunities at other clubs. To Lobbes, Arch, Youngy, Jars and Jacko we thank you for the commitment you showed to our club, thank you for the blood, sweat and tears you gave for our club and all members and supporters of the PAFC wish you all the best in your on field and off field future.

Unfortunately in 2017 none of the above mentioned were able to truly cement a spot in our AFL side and by giving these players the opportunity to seek a new start elsewhere we have shown that we were committing to a new path. A path that includes recruiting and keeping players we see in our best 22 and who are set for a tilt at top 4 finishes for the next 2-3 years or those who we see as the future of the club, the next generation of Port Adelaide AFL players. The likes of Marshall, Atley, Drew, Frampton etc. Your time will come boys, it will come.

This then leads me to the discussion this weekend just gone that suggests the club may be interested in the services of North Melbourne’s Lindsay Thomas if, as expected, he is delisted by the NMFC. Thomas, who turns 30 in February has played 205 games and kicked 329 goals across 11 seasons at North. A solid career at AFL level. Much maligned by opposition fans over the years and at times by North fans, Thomas struggled to hold his post in the North Melbourne AFL side in 2017. Dropped from the AFL side that managed just 6 wins in 2017 he played 9 games and kicked 5 goals. Disciplinary issues cost him several weeks at VFL level.

Which brings me to ask this, where does Thomas fit in the program the football department entered into during the trade / free agency period?

Does he fit into our best 22? I would think that’s unlikely with Robbie Gray, Chad Wingard, Steve Motlop, Sam Gray and Tom Rockliff holding down spots in our forward half rotations with Jake Neade and Karl Amon potentially starting in the SANFL with the Magpies.

Is he the future of the club and part of the next generation to take us forward? Turning 30 at the start of 2018, that’s a simple “No”.

Now while there are people who are far, far more credentialed than I am to form our playing list and this group in recent times has been able to create a system that has made our club a destination for the likes of Angus Monfries, Jared Polec, Paddy Ryder and Charlie Dixon I have to question, on behalf of all members and supporters, is the media simply offering some post season scuttlebutt or is there genuine interest from our club in Thomas?

If we believe we need back up for the back up then may we look to one of our very own, one from our heart land, Robbie Young. Robbie has shown commitment to our club, has worked extremely hard on the defensive side of his game and has natural goal sense.

Listening to a beer swilling punter from the Riverbank Stand won’t get us our next premiership but I can’t help but think I can try….

3rd generation Port Adelaide member proudly sharing my love for our club with a 4th generation.

#since1975
#weareportadelaide

Did you actually write this to the club?
I could see Morrell doing this but Booney?

There’s no irrelevant graph attached so it can’t be Morrell

[Booney]

PORT ADELAIDE welcomes today’s AFL fixture announcement confirming the club will play a premiership season game in Shanghai in 2018.

At a media conference on the iconic Montefiore Hill overlooking Adelaide Oval and the Adelaide city district, AFL General Manager Clubs and Broadcasting Travis Auld confirmed Port Adelaide will play the Gold Coast Suns in Shanghai next year on Saturday afternoon 19 May in a timeslot to be confirmed by the AFL next week.

In a further boost to the game the South Australian State Government today announced naming rights for the fixture at Jiangwan Stadium with the ground now officially called Adelaide Arena at Jiangwan Stadium.

Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas, who was joined at today’s announcement by Mr Auld, South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill, Shanghai Cred founder Mr Gui Guojie and Gold Coast Suns chief executive Mark Evans, said he was delighted with today’s fixture announcement.

“Today’s announcement that we will again be playing a game for premiership points in Shanghai next year is a significant result for Port Adelaide and the AFL,” said Mr Thomas.

“We have always said that we need to maintain a consistent presence in China for AFL to succeed and playing an annual premiership season game in Shanghai is obviously a key to that outcome.

“In May this year the game was a sell out with more than 5,000 South Australians travelling to Shanghai for the game. This year we are looking to increase the ground capacity by a couple of thousand to accommodate the increased demand we expect following the success of this year’s inaugural game.”

Mr Thomas said the club was also pleased with the timeslot of the fixture.

“Pulling together an AFL fixture is a very complicated process and we thank the AFL for managing our needs to play the game in May before the weather in Shanghai becomes a factor in June,” said Mr Thomas.

“And to play the game on a Saturday afternoon enables both clubs to have an eight-day break before the next round which is important given the travel requirements.”

The Saturday afternoon timeslot means the game will be broadcast live nationally into Australia on the Fox Sports network, and live on the Ch 7 free-to-air network into the South Australian and Queensland markets.

“We thank Fox Sports in advance for their television broadcast support back into Australia. Significantly, this timeslot also allows Chinese mainland television networks to broadcast the game live as a direct lead in to their very popular Saturday night Chinese Super League soccer broadcast which is a massive boost to Port Adelaide, our corporate partners and the AFL,” said Mr Thomas.

“This year’s game was one of the most watched game in AFL history and we look forward to building on that audience again in 2018.”

Mr Thomas also welcomed the ongoing support of Shanghai Cred founder Mr Gui Guojie, along with the backing from the South Australian State Government.

“Mr Gui has shared our vision for China from day one and has been with us lockstep all the way,” said Mr Thomas.

“Mr Gui is a great visionary and he understands the unlimited potential the AFL can enjoy in China for decades to come. He sees no boundaries in what can be achieved and recognises the opportunities that exist for sports diplomacy and cultural exchange between Australia and China. We thank him for his generous support to ensure we can take our game to Shanghai again.

“Similarly, we thank the South Australian State Government for their ongoing support. To be playing on Adelaide Arena at Jiangwan Stadium, our home away from home, will be special and again its bringing two cities and two cultures together which is at the heart of our strategy.”

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill says today’s announcement will provide further great exposure to South Australia.

“Port Adelaide’s historic AFL match in China this year was an incredible success which exceeded everyone’s expectations,” said Mr Weatherill.

“This year’s game enjoyed one of the biggest television audiences in AFL history, delivering valuable exposure for South Australia, with the State brand highly visible around the ground.

“Next year, we’re going one better with the ground to be re-named Adelaide Arena at Jiangwan Stadium, providing even more exposure for our State.”

Shanghai Cred founder Mr Gui Guojie was also proud to be associated again with bringing AFL to China.

“It is our common dream to promote the Australian football culture to China,” said Mr Guojie.

“On May 14th 2017, 11,000 football supporters from China and Australia together witnessed the first ever AFL premiership game outside of Australia and New Zealand, and the game has gained unexpected positive outcomes.

“And for the first time, Australian football became the topic discussed between the Australian Prime Minister and the Chinese Premier.

“We felt so proud of this. We acknowledge that to successfully lead Australian football culture into China, there will be various difficulties and challenges.

“But we have got teams here who are pumped up with courage and enthusiasm to handle challenges with innovative executions.

“Today, we are ready to commence the 2018 Shanghai game journey and Shanghai CRED will spare no effort to work with the AFL, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast Suns, to make the Shanghai game even better.

“We believe we can take the powerful and passionate sport of Australian Football to further leverage a broader exchange and collaboration between bi-lateral culture, education, economy and trade, and bring people from the two countries closer.”

[woodublieve12]

Did you go to Shanghai last year Boon?

[The Bedge]

Approx how much did it cost people last year to make the trip (if anyone on here went)?