Port Adelaide CEO Matthew Richardson spoke on the “deep meaning” the Anzac Appeal Round holds for the football club, with it being the 22nd consecutive year the club has hosted a game on this special occasion.
More than 160 past and present players have served in the armed forces, and the Power’s community arm, Power Community Ltd., now facilitates two programs to support ADF veterans and their families – the ADF Veterans program and Power to Thrive.
Mr Richardson spoke to the Adelaide media from the HMAS Encounter in Osborne on Tuesday, alongside senior player Ollie Wines, Rebecca Wilson ADC (Commanding Officer of HMAS Encounter), Brad Flaherty (RSL SA, NT & Broken Hill President) and Greg Quinn (son of former player Bob Quinn).
Matthew Richardson opening address
“Good afternoon and thank you for being here ahead of what is one of the most significant weeks on our football calendar – the annual ANZAC Appeal Round.
“This round holds deep meaning for our football club.
“Port Adelaide has a proud and longstanding connection to service, with more than 160 past players having served in the military. It’s a history that continues to shape who we are today, and one we honour with great respect each year.
“Our 2026 ANZAC Appeal Round guernsey is a reflection of that respect.
“It’s grounded in our traditional home design, but every element has been carefully considered to tell a story.
“The 125th anniversary Navy logo sits on the front, alongside ANZAC Appeal badges on both the front and back. The white sleeve trim is a nod to Navy uniform, while the black back represents the Collins-class submarines built locally at Osborne. The white numbers are inspired by the Navy White Ensign flag.
“It’s a guernsey that connects our club identity with South Australia’s naval history and the broader ANZAC story.
“Importantly, this round is about more than what we wear on game day. Through Power Community Limited, our club continues to deliver programs that support those who have served and their families year-round.
“Our ADF Veterans Program works with veterans as they transition to civilian life, helping them rebuild purpose, identity and connection. To date, more than 270 veterans have been involved.
“Alongside that, our Power to Thrive program supports children of Defence families, with a focus on resilience, wellbeing and staying connected through periods of change.
“Last year we expanded this program internationally to Penang as we recognise that there are children of Defence Force families posted all over the world.
“These programs are a core part of how we live out the responsibility we feel as a club to give back to the defence community.
“There is also a special layer of significance in this year’s match-up against Geelong, through the Quinn family connection that ties both clubs together.
“Tom Quinn began his career at Port Adelaide before becoming a key figure at Geelong, later coaching the club after the war.
“His brother, Bob Quinn, is one of Port Adelaide’s most revered figures – a player who served in World War II, returned from serious injuries, and remarkably went on to win another Magarey Medal in 1945.
“Bob is a war hero, awarded the Military Medal for courage, leadership and devotion in battle in August 1941 - his toughness, leadership and loyalty continue to define the standards we value at this club.
“That shared history between the Quinn family, Port Adelaide and Geelong is something we’re proud to acknowledge on this stage.
“And of course, ANZAC Appeal Round would not be complete without the presentation of the Peter Badcoe VC Medal.
“Now in its 22nd year, the medal is awarded to the player who best exemplifies the ANZAC spirit – skill, courage, sacrifice, teamwork and fair play.
“It’s fitting that our current senior coach, Josh Carr, was the inaugural Badcoe medallist in 2004.
“Major Peter Badcoe was one of Australia’s most decorated war heroes and the most recent South Australian to receive the Victoria Cross, awarded for his extraordinary bravery in Vietnam, where he was killed in 1967.
“We are honoured to continue recognising his legacy through this award, donated by the RSL.
“This week is about remembrance, but it’s also about action – ensuring we continue to support veterans and their families in meaningful ways.
“We’re proud of the role our club plays in that space, and we look forward to acknowledging the occasion alongside our supporters this weekend.”
