The Port Adelaide cheer squad is a large group of around 400 members from all over Australia who provide support to the club in many areas, with members ranging from 5 - 90 years of age.
Lauren Sherman: Can you give us an overview of what the group does to support the club?
Andrea Milosevic: We prepare the game-day banner every Friday night and present it on match days, support the players on game day through vocal presence, cheering, and we have fundraising events throughout the year, such as raffles. We also try to get over to as many interstate games as possible. Our committee has monthly meetings at the Port Club to organise events throughout the year.
LS: What made you want to become involved?
AM: I wanted to be more involved with the club and this is a great way to do so. I knew friends that were involved and they asked me to join, now my whole family are members.
LS: Best memory of being in the Cheer Squad?
AM: Holding the banner at the 2011 Adelaide Oval game. The atmosphere was amazing and giving Chad and Broges a final goodbye, it was great.
LS: What does Port Adelaide mean to you?
AM: It is like a home away from home, a sense of family.
LS: Who is your favourite player?
AM: I like them all equally, but if I had to pick it would be Chad Wingard.
LS: What was a memorable event last year that you were involved in with the club?
AM: The Darwin game at the Prince of Wales Hotel was the best event of the year. There was about 50 people there and we had raffles, door prizes and games at half time. It was a mixture of Cheer Squad members, club members and people who lived in the area. It was a great day.
LS: What is the atmosphere of Showdowns like for you?
AM: Good fun. I love the rivalry between the two clubs. There is more anticipation for the Showdowns, the week leading up to it is exciting. And we give back as good as we get [in the crowd].
LS: Do you think your presence at games helps the players?
AM: Yes, definitely. The players have said fan encouragement pushes them over the line sometimes. The boys come up and thank us for our support and we have banter before and after games.
LS: What is your vision for the Cheer Squad next year?
AM: We want to grow and get younger members involved and to encourage as many people as possible to travel interstate. This year we have new members to the committee which is exciting; fresh faces, new ideas.
LS: What would be your message to fans thinking of joining?
AM: [Being a part of the Cheer Squad], you have a sense of involvement with the club as a whole. We need people to be involved with the club on the way to Adelaide Oval and beyond. It can intensify your passion for the club. Everyone makes friends and it is a good networking opportunity. We have events; pre-season barbecues the week prior to the first game, end of season catch-ups and away game functions at the Port Club.
To get involved with the Cheer Squad:
Email Andrea Milosevic or Ian Wilson or visit the Facebook page here
