Scott Lycett joins Port District for Adelaide Footy League season 2024

An AFL premiership player and former Port Adelaide star has joined a local SA club for season 2024 just weeks after retiring from the top flight.

AFL premiership player and former Port Adelaide star Scott Lycett has joined a local SA footy club ahead of season 2024 just weeks after retiring from the Power.

Division one Adelaide Footy League club Port District has lured Lycett to Largs Bay for the 2024 season, the star ruckman joining close mates Matt Rose and Sam Gray at the Magpies.

As reported in September, the club was exploring the possibility of signing the 31-year-old at the end of the AFL season.

Lycett, who won a premiership with West Coast against Collingwood in 2018 and played a key part in Port Adelaide’s side during the past five seasons, said he was looking forward to the environment at Port District.

“I wasn’t thinking too much about my options when I retired but I just knew I wanted to take time off,” Lycett said.

Scott Lycett has joined Port District after a starring AFL career with West Coast and Port Adelaide. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I’ve had a couple months off now to let my mind and body heal and I think in the back of my mind I was always going to sign there because of my mates.

“I played at the highest level for 13 years and I just decided I wanted to have a different experience, so I’m just looking forward to playing footy for fun rather as a job.

“It’s very exciting and I suppose it’s just that feel at the club as well - Port District is such a welcoming club for everyone and it has that great community vibe.”

The Magpies dominated in season 2022 after the signing of Josh Ramsey as coach and Sam and Tom Gray to win the division one flag over Prince Alfred OC, but failed to go back-to-back last season, crashing out to Tea Tree Gully in the first round.

Lycett said he was keen to help the club back to premiership success.

Lycett holds the premiership trophy after winning the 2018 AFL Grand Final between the West Coast Eagles and the Collingwood Magpies. Picture: Julian Smith

“I definitely want to win a grand final with my best mates,” he said.

“Obviously it’s not like winning a premiership at AFL level but I think playing for fun with mates and achieving that success would be a special feeling and something I’d remember for years to come.”

A talented and skilled big man with the ability to have an impact in the middle of the ground and also become a threat up front, Lycett should fit Port District’s side seamlessly.

He believed he could have a significant impact on and off the field.

“I haven’t had too much of an interest in coaching but I’ve always loved guiding players, especially the younger guys,” he said.

“I’m going to be able to set an example with how I train and approach the game and I’m looking forward to helping the guys coming through.

“Joining was a very easy decision in the end and I’m excited to achieve success with the side.”