THE Port Adelaide playing group spread itself far and wide across regional South Australia on Tuesday as a part of the club’s annual Regional Day.
Focussing primarily in the mid-north, the club also visited districts such as Clare, Kapunda, Eudunda, Snowtown and Victor Harbor, where Power defender Riley Bonner spoke to media.
“We got a lot of boys out and about visiting about 20 schools today,” said Bonner.
“We are talking about our Power to End Violence Against Women program and promoting healthy lifestyles to students,” he said.
“It’s really important to talk to kids about what actually happens in the real world and how important it is to treat everyone how they should be treated, especially women.”
Most of the schools were treated to talks from players focussing on how important it is to eat right, hydrate, sleep well and be active, while also being respectful to family, friends and teammates.
The day finished with football clinics at Kapunda, Balaklava, Blyth-Snowtown, Clare, Burra and Willunga.
Bonner was in a group with co-captain Ollie Wines, forward Todd Marshall and fellow defender Darcy Byrne-Jones.
They had a group of more than 50 year 10 students deeply engaged in their talk about settling in new environments, being respectful in their new surroundings and working hard.
After a career high 19 games in 2018, Bonner is looking to cement his spot in the side this season, noting that he has some pretty tough competition for spots, with Hamish Hartlett and Matthew Broadbent looking to return from their respective long-term injuries early in the season.
“It’s pretty important for me to play pretty well going into round one as we have a pretty strong line up,” Bonner noted.
“I’m happy to play anywhere if its half-back, wing, wherever the team or Ken needs me to play I’m happy to fulfil that role for the team.”
The 21-year-old, who celebrates his birthday on Thursday, is already looking forward to this weekend’s second JLT Community Series clash against North Melbourne.
The game will see ex-Port Adelaide players Jared Polec and Jasper Pittard return to Alberton for the first time since their respective trades to Arden Street at the end of 2018.
“Jasper was my old mentor, it’s going to be weird lining up against him as an opponent,” Bonner commented.
“It will be fun and I’m sure the Alberton crowd will look after them with a bit of stick off the field.
“It’s all fun and games as a part of footy, we have no hard feelings.”
The Power have their final pre-season match against North Melbourne this Saturday 9 March at Alberton Oval, with the first bounce at 12.40pm.
