The reserves debate is hotting up.
Since my last update we have presented our full proposition to the SANFL Commission.
This was followed by a series of meetings with delegates from the other Clubs and the SANFL, as we prepared for our presentation to the ultimate decision makers on this matter, the SANFL Club Directors.
This presentation occurred on Thursday night.
I was pleased with the hearing we received from the Clubs. I believe they were genuinely respectful of our position, and interested in our proposition. We will continue to work together over the next few days to find the right solution, but make no mistake the stakes are high and there is still very considerable resistance.
The Pitch
1. PAFC has a genuine commitment to, and an important role to play at both the SANFL and AFL levels.
2. The integrity of the SANFL competition is best served with a strong, united, highly-committed Magpies in it.
3. It is impossible to argue that the SANFL competition will not be diminished, if the Magpies are not in it.
The Proposal
-Power in the AFL
-Magpies in the SANFL league competition, with a mix of our overflow AFL listed players and local Magpies players.
-Reserves and junior structure retained.
-A reduced zone (to 75% of current) in recognition of the fact that less opportunities will be available at league level for local players.
-Reduced salary cap (to be confirmed) in recognition of the fact that fewer local players will need to be paid.
-No non-AFL interstate recruits for the Magpies.
-No out-of-zone recruits
-Full SANFL dividend returned to Clubs ($600k or $75k per Club)
-Second opinion injury assessment by SANFL doctors at finals time.
-Reviewed after two years to ensure we are neither too strong, nor too weak.
-Long term commitment to the SANFL
Rationale
The Power needs to be able to provide best practice player development, which can only be achieved with full-time access to all players.
The Port Adelaide Football Club is deeply committed to the Magpies and the SANFL and is prepared to continue to invest heavily in game development.
We are prepared to do that, without cost to the SANFL.
In fact, $75k per annum per Club will be distributed back to the other Clubs.
The Port Adelaide Magpies are entrenched in the very fabric of South Australian football.
The Magpies have ranked in the top 3 for attendances since 2005, even without on-field success.
The Magpies remain as relevant and as popular, as any other SANFL Club.
What’s at Risk ?
-The existence of the Port Adelaide Magpies.
-143 years of proud, successful contribution to the SANFL, and a deep community connection.
-3500 dedicated Magpies members. No 'Power affiliation' at all.
-This is significant.
Why?
-Why would you aim to diminish Port Adelaide, just as it is regaining momentum?
-Why does the reserves solution need to be the same, for both AFL clubs? Port Adelaide and Adelaide are not the same … we come from vastly different origins.
-Why wouldn’t an SANFL club want to maintain the great rivalries that the competition has been built on? Port v Norwood, Port v Sturt, Port v Glenelg, Port v West, Port v Centrals - these rivalries are all at risk!
Retaining the Port Adelaide Magpies provides opportunities for growth.
Removing the Magpies diminishes Port Adelaide and the SANFL competition.
There is much more to this debate, and I promise to keep you posted every step of the way. Some of you may argue that we have already conceded too much. I understand that. My counter argument is that every negotiation conducted in good faith requires some 'give and take'. I think our proposition is more than fair, as it strengthens our AFL program, maintains a genuine, competitive Magpies structure and importantly strengthens the SANFL competition.
I believe it’s a proposition worth fighting for.
We ARE Port Adelaide!
