Power army says Port Adelaide is marching into GF, says fans ahead of Adelaide Oval clash
Power fans can feel it – this is the year. But if you missed out on tickets to Saturday night’s preliminary final at the Oval, we’ve got a list of great places to watch it.
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Ask Port Adelaide’s diehard fans about their chances in Saturday night’s preliminary final against the Western Bulldogs and they’ll all tell you the same thing: 2021 feels like the year of the teal, black and white.
Eleven months after a heartbreaking loss to Richmond ended their flag hopes, there’s a growing belief among the Power army that their heroes are bound for September glory.
Cheersquad member Myles Neal said the cutthroat clash at Adelaide Oval would be “bigger than Ben-Hur” but he firmly believed the Power was better equipped to deal with the pressure this time around.
“We’re a bit more relaxed this year but we’re hungrier than ever,” said Mr Neal, 37, a lifelong Port fan who will lead the cheer squad tomorrow night as “Tealheart”, his Braveheart-inspired character.
“It’s going to be massive. Everyone’s feeling nervous across the board but they’re ready to go.
“I’ve got a real strong belief inside me that this is the year for us … I don’t want to jinx it but I truly believe this is our time, and I’m very privileged and very grateful to be there.”
It’s a feeling echoed by Tailem Bend mother Michelle Green.
The 41-year-old, who will make the 200km round trip to Adelaide with her husband David, says she is confident the boys can “get the job done”.
“I’ve got belief in the team. They’ve put in the work needed. It feels different to last year, there was more nerves … they feel more prepared this year,” she said.
A 2021 premiership would mean “everything” to Ms Green, who owns a bed and breakfast in her hometown.
“I’d give my right arm for it (a flag). If I had to, I really would,” she said.
“Port Adelaide Football Club is life. Everything else is just a distraction. My life revolves around the club. Apologies to my husband but he knows it’s true, too.”
So much so that her partner David proposed to Michelle at Alberton Oval during a trial game in 2009. The couple tied the knot the following year on the same oval, with their reception held at the club.
“It was the perfect spot, the perfect day. It was about as Port Adelaide as you can get,” she said.
Ms Green said pandemic restrictions had made things difficult for her business but her footy family had helped them cope.
“It’s given us enjoyment through this horrible time. It gives us something to look forward to each week,” said Ms Green, who has booked a charter flight to Perth for the grand final.
“It’s my outlet, it’s my enjoyment, it’s my happiness,” she said.
Port Adelaide fans don’t come more passionate than Matt Tarrant.
The magician and former Australian Survivor contestant spent much of Monday morning online, trying to secure preliminary tickets for him and 23 close friends.
“I had a full set-up of laptops and phones and tablets, about 10 devices all up and I was controlling them all,” he laughed.
“We’ve been going to the footy together for over a decade, rain, hail or shine … we were there at the old Footy Park when there wasn’t much support and there were tarps up.
“It's been a bit of a journey, and we’ll be there again on Saturday night – we’re pumped, nervous and really excited. All of the emotions.”
Tarrant, 34, said the unique bond among Power supporters was vital for so many during the pandemic.
“The sense of community and sense of love Port fans have for each other is a really strong and uniting thing,” he said.
Flight costs soar, but not GF tickets
- Liz Walsh
As the price of airfares to Perth continue to skyrocket ahead of the AFL grand final, Port Adelaide fans have received some comforting hip-pocket news ahead of their club’s potential appearance in the Big Dance: the league has frozen ticket prices for a third successive year.
Footy fans will be able to snap up a seat at Optus Stadium on September 25 for as little as $185.
But the cost of flying West continues to soar.
On Thursday afternoon, the cheapest Qantas direct flights from Adelaide to Perth departing on Friday, September 24 were up to $721 one way, while Virgin was offering six direct flights on that date ranging from $405-$699.
The Power will face off against the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night for the right to play in the grand final – its first since 2007 – on September 25.
Ahead of an expected frenzy next week, the AFL on Thursday released ticket prices and on-sale dates for Perth’s first-ever AFL grand final, at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium.
Official members of the competing clubs will be prioritised for tickets, with an allocation of 12,000 seats each.
However, Port Adelaide is the only remaining club in the premiership race that could go close to filling that allocation, with travel to Western Australia from Victoria tightly restricted.
The lowest Category 6 ticket will cost $185 for an adult and $157 for a concession.
The most expensive Category 1 ticket will set fans back $450 for an adult and $383 for a concession.
Tickets will go on sale for AFL members on Sunday, with club members following next Monday and Tuesday.
Remaining tickets will be opened up to the general public at 10am AWST (11.30am ACST) next Thursday.
Tickets for both preliminary finals this weekend – Melbourne versus Geelong on Friday night and Port versus the Bulldogs on Saturday – sold out within hours.
“The energy in the city is electric, and we know the demand for the grand final will be as strong as ever,” AFL executive general manager of commercial and customer Kylie Rogers said.
“A full house, with a 60,00 strong crowd, will deliver a pulsating atmosphere for the players, for the crowd in stadium and for everyone watching the broadcast nationally.”
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