Vote now: Who has SA’s best Port Adelaide tattoo?
Who has SA’s best Port Adelaide footy tattoo? Votes have now closed as we prepare to crown your winner.
West & Beaches
Don't miss out on the headlines from West & Beaches. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The countdown has begun to crown SA’s best Port Adelaide footy themed tattoo, with voting now closed and the winner set to be announced tomorrow.
Inspired by a Port Adelaide mega fan’s dedication to her beloved Power to get an image of the coach’s face a permanently etched on her body, The Advertiser put a call out for the best Power tattoos from around the state.
Bek Herbert – who now lives in Melbourne – was moved to get Ken Hinkley’s face tattooed on her leg and now we have collected the best Port Adelaide-themed tattoos from around SA.
The Advertiser gave readers the chance to win a signed Port Adelaide 2023 guernsey with certificate of authenticity (valued at $2000) and a club scarf, by entering their best Port-themed tattoo.
Our vote poll has now closed and the winner will be announced on Saturday, September 16.
TOP FIVE LEADING THE VOTES
1. Ben St Clair
4. David Shelley
9. Nick Catalano
10. Danny Negruk
15. David Cunningham
Check out the 20 finalists below and read the stories behind their ink.
1. Ben St Clair, Woodcroft
Why it should be named the best: My whole family are avid Port fans.
My Dad used to be a part of the Port Magpies cheer squad in the ’80s.
I have loved Port my whole life and when I decided to get my tattoo the tattoo artist assumed we were top of the ladder as most people come to get sports teams tattooed when they have just won a premiership – but it was back in the days when we were really struggling before Hinkley and he couldn’t believe my dedication to Port for getting a tattoo of them when they near the bottom of the ladder.
2. James Rishworth, Hallett Cove
Why it should be named the best: Just a simple classic and timeless tattoo on the back of the neck/upper-back.
All others will date and be over the top, while this is just says it all.
3. Jedd Borg, Ascot Park
Why it should be named the best: I got this one a month before the season had started.
And, we were quite close to marking it a reality.
4. David Shelley, Seaton
Why it should be named the best: Port fanatic since I was eight-years-old, in ’72 I would be taken to my happy place Alberton Oval for Sunday warm-down training, only to kick footies with Mark and Anthony Williams.
In my blood from then through the ’80s and ’90s. The club gave me so much joy.
Power entered the AFL no-brainer to follow both, took my kids to first away game in ’97 then cheer squad bus from ’98 onwards to most away games to now only missed three home games since ’97.
We got married on Alberton Oval on February 4 this year and had some players attend.
My first Port tatt in early 2000 is a shield, my family were not surprised.
My second “Never Tear Us Apart” on side of body over ribs was painful, however had to be done.
5. Tracey Dowdell, Taperoo
Why it should be named the best: I was 22 when I got this tattoo which is ironic because my favourite number is 22 ever since my favourite player Josh Mahoney wore it.
I always have been and always will be a Power fanatic so why not make it permanent?
My family loved it even though no one else goes for Power.
My Dad was so inspired that he ended up also getting one with my name and the Power logo – even though he’s supposedly a Hawthorn supporter.
6. Michael Hawkes, Ethelton
Why it should be named the best: I got the tattoo for my daughter who has been a Port supporter all her life.
7. Gene Zalunardo, Flinders Park
Why it should be named the best: Carn the Pear!
8. Kym Goldsmith, Huntfield Heights
Why it should be named the best: The first tattoo I got done was a bet that if Port won the flag I would get a tattoo.
The second one lower on my arm was done because I couldn’t stop at one as I love the club and it will be added to if we can win another flag this year.
I’m so proud of the club.
9. Nick Catalano, Hectorville
Why it should be named the best: My tattoo is the best because it was inked during Port Adelaide’s first year in the AFL, marking the beginning of an incredible journey.
It holds deep personal meaning, and its intricately designed artwork symbolises both my dedication to the sport and the passion I have for it.
Whenever I look at it, it serves as a constant reminder of the Port Adelaide way; hard work, determination, and the lifelong connections I’ve made within the Port Adelaide Football Club, making it truly special to me.
10. Danny Negruk, Seaton
Why it should be named the best: My first and only tattoo, the skull and PA beanie tattoo!
“Til I Die” pretty self explanatory.
My dear friend was a tattoo apprentice and was offering to practice on some real skin.
Of course I took up the offer and couldn‘t imagine getting anything other than a tattoo that represents my love for the greatest football club in the land.
I’ll be representing till death, bury me in my Port gear, basically.
11. Mark Tose, Hope Valley
Why it should be named the best: Tattoo is signed by Russel Ebert and it’s the best because Port Adelaide is the best, simple.
12. Lisa McKenzie, Christie Downs
Why it should be named the best: I got Travis Boak to sign my arm and got it tattooed on my arm near my kids names.
13. Jason Sargent, Dublin
Why it should be named the best: I got this tattoo about 10 years ago.
I have three Port tattoos in total, this is my favourite.
I have barracked for Port since I was a kid, I hope they do well in the finals.
14. Adam Menadue, Freeling
Why it should be named the best: Port Adelaide is life!
My wife gifted me the tattoo for Christmas a few years ago.
15. David Cunningham, Angle Vale
Why it should be named the best: Two icons and beloved treasures of SA in one tattoo; nothing like partaking in a few cold red tins while cheering on the Pear.
16. Tamara Varnish, Aberfoyle Park
Why it should be named the best: Myself, my partner and my mum all got the same tattoo when we thought we were going to win finals a few years back.
That didn‘t happen … maybe this year?
17. Wayne Fowler, Evanston Gardens
Why it should be named the best: I got this tattoo before leaving to live in Victoria for awhile firstly because I wanted to take some of Port with me and secondly I didn’t trust a Victorian tattooist to do it over there.
I am back in SA now, go the Power.
18. Harry Karagiolis, Aldinga Beach
Why it should be named the best: I did this myself.
It should be named the best because it’s so terrible.
19. Tim Bishop, Gawler East
Why it should be named the best: My mate Kyle from Whale Tail Art posted it on Facebook one morning, I loved it that much I got my mate Brad from Ink Supremacy in Gawler to tattoo it on me.
20. Colleen Hilditch, Largs Bay
Why it should be named the best: Lifelong Port fan, wanted something to permanently tell everyone. On my foot so easily seen in summer.