Power chief asks members to 'reserve judgement' on decision to field reserves in SANFL

UPDATE: PORT Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas has appealed to club members to hold fire on the proposal to enter a Power reserves team in the SANFL.

PORT Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas has appealed to club members to hold fire on the new proposal to enter a Power AFL reserves team in the SANFL league competition at the cost of the full-scale Magpies.

Thomas will lead a members' information meeting at Alberton on Monday evening. This will be followed by a board meeting on Tuesday.

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Thomas said to Port Adelaide members on Thursday evening: "I'd ask that you reserve judgement until then.

"The Port Adelaide Football Club Board will meet on Tuesday to formally consider the proposal.

"We need to consider the model carefully. It requires us to think differently about our football program going forward.

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"We will be assessing it against the following criteria:

- The model must ensure all Port Adelaide players play for Port Adelaide.

- The Power must have the development structure they need.

- The Magpies must remain strong and competitive.

- Kids must be able to grow up and play for Port Adelaide in an elite environment.

- Our community links must be retained and strengthened where possible.

"Let's get together and talk about this on Monday night. If you can't get to Alberton, send me your thoughts. I'm keen to hear what you think."

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