CHAIRMAN David Koch has used the Port Adelaide Football Club’s Hall of Fame and Season Launch gala event to remind all players, coaches and staff of the responsibility they have as its current custodians.
Koch opened the event in front of 800 people at the Adelaide Convention Centre, explaining why the night was so successful when it was held for the first time last year.
He said anyone who was present would have realised why the night was so special to everyone involved in the club.
“To witness last year our new players receive their first Port Adelaide guernseys from our club Hall of Famers was inspiring,” he noted.
“The enthusiasm of our new players was palpable, as was the pride in the eyes of our club legends.
“Most telling for me at this event last year was seeing new recruit Tom Rockliff and Charlie Dixon staying late to hear stories of past glories from the likes of Geof Motley, Neville Hayes and John Cahill.
“Just to observe these two modern day players absorb the stories from these past legends is what this night is all about.
“It is precisely what makes this night so unique and our club so special. We can come together and connect our proud past with our bright future.”
Two former players are to be inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame and a second premiership team elevated, after the legends of the 1954 to 59 six-in-a-row sides were inducted last year.
Koch said the event would also see the eleven new players on Port Adelaide’s list being presented with their guernsey from a past great, helping them learn about some of the club’s proudest achievements and giving them an understanding of what it means to represent the club.
He said “metaphorically, the baton will be handed over.”
“It’s an opportune time to remind everyone once again that we are all current custodians of the Port Adelaide Football Club,” the Chairman remarked.
“Whether we are an administrator, Board member, volunteer, coach or player we currently hold the legacy of this great club in our own hands.
“Being a custodian of this club brings great responsibility and with that great pressure.
“But we all accept that responsibility. We are all obliged to take this club forward on a path to sustained success and I have great confidence in everyone involved at our club that they understand this responsibility.”
Koch thanked the members of the Hall of Fame who were in attendance for the legacy they have created for the club.
He noted that across those members there were a collective 191 premierships, 11 Magarey Medals and 57 best-and-fairest awards, all while representing Port Adelaide.
He closed with a message for the current playing group.
“I ask you all to listen to the stories of our past champions,” he said.
“I encourage you to learn about our great club. Ask questions, introduce yourselves and savor this rare privilege. Soak it all up.
“We are all representing a very proud history and a very loyal community and we love it.”
