Port Adelaide supporters and South Australian footy fans will have the chance to officially farewell two of the club’s favourite sons before Saturday’s Showdown.

Power premiership players Stuart Dew and Matthew Bishop, who both finished with the club at the end of the 2006 season, will be paraded around the ground prior to the game, giving the chance for supporters to officially thank them for their contribution to the club and the game. The Power has had huge interest in the opportunity to farewell the players.

“We are thrilled to be able to acknowledge the wonderful service that both Stuey and Bish have given this club over ten and seven years respectively,” said Power chief executive John James.

“The opportunity to officially farewell two of our favourite sons is just another reason for our supporters to get to tomorrow’s game and get into the ground early.”

Tomorrow will also be the first time the club will introduce Thunda Bolt to AAMI Stadium and the first opportunity for many to experience the Planet Teal Zone.

Schedule of activities for tomorrow is as follows:
11am – Car parks open
12.15am – AAMI Stadium gates open
12.30pm – Planet Teal Zone opens (outside Gate 4)
1.55pm – Players warm-up on ground
2.10pm – Official launch of new Superscreen
2.12pm – Nova’s Lisa Fernandez & the Power’s Paul Rugala welcome crowd
2.15pm – Stuart Dew & Matthew Bishop farewell lap
2.15pm – Thunda Bolt & pre-match entertainment (including Power Funk Squad and Power 22)
2.30pm – Teams enter the arena
2.40pm – Showdown XXII (AFL Rivalry Round)

Note: Adam Kingsley was to be acknowledged in a similar fashion, but will be unable to partake in activities due to his coaching role with the club. Both Gavin Wanganeen and Josh Francou did farewell laps at the end of last year.

Meanwhile, as at 11am there were still 7,764 tickets available for tomorrow’s game. Tickets can be purchased through BASS Outlets and BASS Dial ‘n Charge 13 12 46.