The league has acknowledged on field results will contribute to higher-profile time slots and hosting rights when it comes to determining the fixture for an upcoming season.
Get your 11-game reserved membership here to ensure your seat at the first game at Adelaide Oval
Thomas said the decision to award hosting rights for the first match at the new Adelaide Oval – a Showdown against the Crows – reflects the Power’s commended rise from 14th place in 2012 to fifth position and a semi final berth in 2013.
"The AFL is very clear that on field performance is an important consideration when it comes to the fixture,” said Mr Thomas.
"We accepted that when things were tough last year, just as we will gratefully accept the privilege of hosting the first ever Showdown, and game at the new Adelaide Oval next year."
Port Adelaide was a driving force behind the move to Adelaide Oval and played the inaugural AFL match at the ground against Melbourne at the end of the 2011 home-and-away season.
But the Port Adelaide’s affinity with the venue harks back to the club’s establishment in 1870, when the club played local matches in the nearby North Parklands against other local teams.
It then played at the ground in regular competition as part of the South Australian Football Association from the 1877 season.
The club later called the ground home during 1875 and 1876 when it was unable to use its traditional home base at Adelaide Oval.
Port has won 23 state flags at the ground and played in numerous grand finals, including its Australian football record of six consecutive premierships between 1954 and 1959.
"We've been winning premierships at Adelaide Oval since 1884 and the right to host the first home game at the new Adelaide Oval makes for a fitting homecoming,” said Mr Thomas.
"Our 2011 game at the ground was hugely popular with our supporters and we know the first game in 2014 will be as well.”
Thomas says it was a logical decision for the AFL to make the first game at Adelaide Oval a Showdown and called on Port Adelaide’s supporters to continue renewing and joining the club for the historic move back to the ground.
"It makes sense for the game to be a Showdown, this will be a fantastic stadium for South Australians to watch elite football and to take on the Crows in a blockbuster at Adelaide Oval will be something welcomed by supporters of every persuasion,” he said.
"Most importantly, our supporters and members who have been signing up for 2014 memberships in droves will be able to be at that game if they have an 11-game reserved seat.
"It really is history in the making and Port Adelaide will be right at the heart of it.
"You won't want to miss this!"
