Former South Adelaide SANFL captain Matt Rose signs with Adelaide Footy League club Port District

A former SANFL captain has returned home to a reigning Adelaide Footy League premier as it aims to bounce back from this season’s finals disappointment.

A division one Adelaide Footy League club has received a major boost for 2024 with the signing of a former SANFL captain.

Former Port Adelaide and South Adelaide SANFL star Matt Rose, who also captained the Panthers from 2019 to 2022, has signed with childhood club Port District ahead of the 2024 Adelaide Footy League season.

Rose recently made the decision to retire from South Adelaide and SANFL football after tallying 189 league games over 14 seasons.

The playmaking defender, who will also look to play through the middle with his new club, underwent seven surgeries during his SANFL career and said he felt it was the right time to take a step back from league footy.

“My body was still producing okay footy but I guess I’d been thinking about retirement for a couple years and decided to do one final year not as captain and see what happened,” Rose said.

Former South Adelaide SANFL captain Matt Rose has joined Port District for season 2024. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“I was having to put in a lot of hours. Part of me wanted to get to that 200-mark and see if I could achieve a senior premiership but it wasn’t to be.

“I’m really grateful for my time with both Port Adelaide and South Adelaide – I’ve made great relationships from my time in the SANFL and that will be the thing I hold closest.”

Rose played all of his junior footy at Port District before entering the SANFL system and will also join a number of close mates including Sam and Tom Gray.

He said returning to the club was inevitable.

Rose will likely play as a skilled mid who can also pinch-hit at the back for Port. Picture: Sarah Reed

“I guess it was always going to happen. I grew up in Largs Bay and at the club, and my family has played there for ages – there has been about 12 Roses who’ve played senior footy at the club,” Rose said.

“I love the club, it’s close to home for me and I’ve got a lot of close friends there as well. “

Port District achieved the ultimate success in division one of the Adelaide Footy League last season, with star players such as Sam Gray and Cooper Gaffney leading the club to a historic premiership.

The 2023 season proved a bigger challenge for former West Adelaide coach Josh Ramsey’s men however, the side experiencing a number of injuries and ultimately falling to Tea Tree Gully in the elimination final.

Rose said he believed he could help the club back to the top.

Port District players and fans celebrate their 2022 grand final win over Prince Alfred OC. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

“They won the flag last year and the team is really talented,” he said.

“Hopefully we can add to the list for next year and stay a bit fitter and really push for another premiership – I’ve never won a senior flag and that’s what I ultimately want to achieve.

“I’ll be looking to bring leadership on and off the field and play whatever role I need to whether that’s in the middle or also pinch-hitting down back.

“Most of all I’m just looking forward to having some fun with my footy and playing in front of family and with my mates.”