by DOC » Sun Nov 01, 2020 5:05 pm
Here you go.
PORT Adelaide plans to return to the SANFL next season, but chairman David Koch says the club wants respect and a “level playing field” in the state league.
The Magpies did not take part for the first time in the SA competition’s 143-year history in 2020, due to an AFL ruling that top-tier players could not feature at lower levels to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Adelaide also sat out this campaign, reducing the league to eight teams.
Koch said lining up in the SANFL was important for the club, which, like the Crows, was contracted to have its reserves in the competition until 2028. But he said Port Adelaide had issues with some of the restrictions the SANFL imposed on the two AFL sides, who had their own rules regarding recruiting and top-up players.
Koch’s comments came after The Advertiser this week reported the Crows and Power were set to meet with the SANFL next month to discuss their issues, and in the wake of a 22-team VFL and east coast competition being created. The SA clubs’ involvement in the SANFL is also clouded by a lack of clarity on AFL list sizes.
“Absolutely our first preference is playing in the SANFL, but we also want to be treated with respect as an SANFL foundation club … in terms of a level playing field,” Koch said.
“There’s been some issues in terms of restrictions with both AFL clubs, the Crows and ourselves.
“It’s a great competition and we love being part of it.”
The Magpies are the league’s most successful side with 36 flags, but have not had the ultimate success since 1999. Adelaide is yet to make a grand final.
SANFL football general manager Matthew Duldig this week said Port Adelaide and the Crows would discuss their conditions of entry next month, as they did every year.
Adelaide planned to lobby the league to reduce its $440,000 annual licence fee, given clubs in the new eastern states competition would not be paying one.
Port Adelaide does not pay a yearly sum as part of its entry conditions.