Dear Members, Supporters and Partners,

AFL program well progressed.

When the AFL players return to training in two weeks they’ll feel and see the changes the moment they arrive. The coaching group around Josh Carr is complete, with Stuart Dew’s return to Alberton headlining a group which brings a breadth of deep experience. 

Andy Collins joins from Hawthorn as Director of Coaching, Luke Webster from West Coast to lead our backline, and two-time Glenelg premiership coach Darren Reeves will take charge of the forwards. Hamish Hartlett will elevate to an AFL assistant role managing stoppage, contest and opposition analysis. This then created the opportunity for Jacob Surjan to return to Alberton as SANFL coach.

The development program, led by Matthew Lobbe is enhanced with the addition of Mitch Clisby. Mitch has an impressive background well suited to working with young players and will work alongside Cam Sutcliffe and also Sean Lemmens who joins us from the Gold Coast Suns. Sean is the last ‘original Magpie’ drafted back in 2013 so to be returning to Port Adelaide in a role which will see him work across an expanded Port Adelaide Academy and our Community Programs is exciting for us, as it is his young family who get to return home.

The coaches and football department staff get started next week in their preparation for November 10 when our first to fourth year players return for pre-season training.

AFLW: Showdown Focus

Our AFLW team delivered an outstanding performance last Friday night, dominating second-placed Hawthorn 95-59 in what was the highest combined score in AFLW history. The performance showcased exactly what this group is capable of - Indy Tahau's five goals propelled her to the top of the competition's goalkicking race, while Matilda Scholz continues her All-Australian calibre season in the ruck.

Tonight is a massive game in more ways than one. It’s a Showdown (Norwood Oval from 7:05pm) and we need to win to keep our finals aspirations alive. Our season to date has been inconsistent with our best electrifying, as we saw last week.

Our aim is to finish off the season well and if some things fall our way, sneak into the finals with our confidence building.

Another feature this year has been the crowds at Alberton Oval, and whilst the last two home have been compromised due to the next stage works on the outer side, our average has pushed 3000. With the next stage works completed for next season, Alberton will absolutely be the best AFLW match day venue in the country, for both players and fans.

Community Commitment Beyond the Game

Our recent visit to Penang, Malaysia, with Power Community Limited reinforces our commitment to the Australian Defence Force extends far beyond Anzac Round. Esava Ratugolea and our staff delivered the Power to Thrive resilience program to children of ADF families - a wellbeing initiative that draws on our own player development principles to support these young people through the unique challenges of relocating across the world.

This is a year-round commitment to the ADF and their families. It's about providing practical support, building resilience, and creating connections that matter. The smiles on those kids' faces, and their gratitude for the experience, is a great example of how Port Adelaide and our players make meaningful impacts every day, beyond their on-field achievements.

New Online Store Launching

We're excited to announce our new online retail store will launch in early November, delivering a vastly improved user experience with greater stock availability and flexibility for our members and supporters. Importantly, this new platform will be 100 per cent controlled and operated by the club, with all profits going to the club also. Stay tuned for more information as we approach the official launch.

Alberton Oval Re-Development Progress

The transformation of Alberton Oval continues with works progressing well on the next stage projects. This will deliver integrated AFLW facilities to the northern end of the MG High-Performance Centre and terraced seating around the eastern boundary adding more than 1,100 seats. We expect these projects to be completed by June 2026.

The next stage beyond these works is the Bowling Club re-development, with planning and funding progressing. Stay tuned on this.

Thank you to our members and partners for your continued support.