Graham Cornes has been bestowed the honour of official Port Adelaide Football Club ambassador thanks to his relentless endeavour to promote the club throughout his playing, coaching and media career.

Port Adelaide is delighted to announce this morning that Graham Cornes has been welcomed as an official ambassador of the club.

In fact, it is just one of many privileges Port Adelaide has bestowed upon the inaugural Adelaide Crows coach who was unceremoniously sacked by the club in 1994.

A Port Adelaide spokesperson said this morning it was now time to formally acknowledge the legacy of Cornes.

“After great consideration the club is delighted to welcome Graham officially as a Port Adelaide Football Club ambassador,” the spokesperson said.

“This morning’s article in The Advertiser titled ‘Stick it up your jumper’ is the 16,334th article Graham has written about the Port Adelaide Football Club which is remarkable given he’s only written 16,339 articles in his entire journalistic career.

“And no doubt this morning on Adelaide radio he will add to his 226,788 minutes of commentary on Port Adelaide that has dominated his 30-year radio career.

“To that end, we cannot think of someone who has discussed, promoted and elevated our club more than Graham so it is only the right thing that we welcome him on board in an official ambassadorial capacity.”

The club spokesperson said Port Adelaide’s recognition of Cornes would not stop there.

“Given Graham’s intimate knowledge of the history of our club it would be remiss of the club not to include him on our history committee,” the spokesperson said.

“Graham’s level of knowledge of our club is extraordinary, and without doubt he has become the oracle of Port Adelaide. As a result, we are proud to elevate Graham to Chairman of our History Committee effective immediately.

“However, we have saved the most prestigious and significant accolade of all to last.

“For his extraordinary contribution to the premiership success of Port Adelaide, we are excited to announce that the club will make a formal submission to the club’s Hall of Fame committee that Graham be elevated to the Port Adelaide Football Club Hall of Fame.

“It’s been something we’ve been considering for some time but the time feels right now. Graham has had an incredible impact on our club’s success. He has personally contributed to a remarkable five Port Adelaide premierships.

“When you think of our SANFL Grand Final victories of 1977, 1981, 1988 and 1990 one name always comes to mind – Graham Cornes.

“And then you fast forward to our greatest achievement of all time, the 2004 AFL premiership. Graham contributed again through his brilliant sons Chad and Kane both playing starring roles in our success.

“Today is a special day. We are delighted to welcome Graham to our club as official ambassador, Chairman of our History Committee and a potential inductee into our Hall of Fame.

“And thanks to the promotion from Graham our Black-and-white Prison Bar petition has gained further traction as we look to surpass 40,000 signatures in the coming weeks.”

Click here to sign the Port Adelaide black-and-white Prison Bar petition.