This open letter originally appeared in the AFL Magazine liftout of the Advertiser on 16 March 2019.

Members and supporters,

Welcome to season 2019.

After a long, hot but very rewarding pre-season we are ready to hit the ground running.

Personally, we can’t wait to get the season going. We are looking at the new season as a blank canvas on which we can begin a new chapter in this club’s extraordinary history.

As leaders we are the role models and standard bearers of our club’s core values of never, ever giving up, sticking together and being brave and bold.

These values will be reflected in the way we play.

We have a new, incredibly connected group of players. This has been a real focus across our pre-season.

We have created an environment of trust in that we believe each one of us will always do the right thing by the team, and have a red hot go.

Trust is knowing, not hoping, that the bloke next to you is prepared to do whatever it takes to be part of this team. We have all bought into the standards and values of our club to do the work and do the team thing.

Our actions will tell the story.

We have a fierce ambition to win, but that is no different to any other club.

We will be unrelenting in our pursuit of that success. But no club with any pride just gives up.

But we do have an enormous advantage. Something which no other club has.

We have you. Our loyal legion of members and supporters.

You are the same people that have supported the club through thick and thin as we’ve progressed from a suburban club to the national competition.

And we are talking about generational support here. Decades.

It’s the Port Adelaide way. It’s family. It’s a way of life.

You’re loud, passionate, footy smart, fiercely competitive.

For you it’s tribal. And personal. You embrace the sledges and wear them as a badge of honour.

We love that!

You create a cauldron at Adelaide Oval, unlike any other stadium in Australia.

In close games you help us over the line.

Never underestimate the role you play for our club.

You are the difference.

We can’t wait to share our journey with you in 2019.

See you at the footy.

Ollie Wines & Tom Jonas