Retiring Port Adelaide Magpies captain James Meiklejohn predicts Power reserves in SANFL in 2014

RETIRING Port Magpies captain James Meiklejohn expects his side to become the reserves team for the Power in 2014.

RETIRING Port Adelaide Magpies captain James Meiklejohn said his teammates were resigned to their fate being sealed as their side becomes the Power reserves next year.

As Port Adelaide returns to the negotiation table with the SA Football Commission to enter a reserves team in the SANFL, Magpies players left a meeting with chief executive Keith Thomas last week believing it was fait accompli.

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It means this weekend's clash with West Adelaide looms as their last at Alberton and next week's match against Glenelg their last ever for the Magpies.

Meiklejohn last night told teammates of his intention to retire at the end of the season after nine years at Alberton - the last four as captain - in which he was one of the best ruckmen in the competition.

But he told The Advertiser he was angry at uncertainty over his team's future and he felt for teammates who could suddenly be without a home in two weeks.

"I have spoken to the boys and the general feeling is that they think this is going to be it," Meiklejohn said.

"Obviously there are a few things still to sort out but the feeling is these will be the last two games in 143 years of the Magpies in this sense.

"It won't be the same set up as this year. The make up of the league team will be different and the SANFL guys won't know how many spots will be available.

"With the Crows reserves coming in it leaves Port Adelaide one-out and how much of a disadvantage that is, I don't know.

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"The change doesn't affect me as much directly in a football sense as I'm finishing up at the end of the season but I really feel for the Kory Beards, Sam Grays, Zane Kirkwoods and Steve Summertons - guys who have come through the junior programs, guys who want to continue to represent the footy club."

Meiklejohn, 29, who has played 163 league games, said he also felt for support staff and fans.

If the Power can come to an agreement with the commission, it would inch closer to joining the Crows reserves in the SANFL next year.

But it would be a sensational backflip on its announcement earlier this month that it would maintain the "status quo" in 2014.

Thomas yesterday said he understood the players' frustration.

"They are significantly affected by this decision," Thomas said.

"Our current position is if we can't have our junior structure in place, then it will be status quo for 2014.

"But that is an unsustainable position, it's a one-year holding pattern and not ideal for anyone because there would be the same uncertainty next year."

Thomas said there was no way around the reality that having all Power players together at the Magpies would reduce the number of opportunities for non-AFL listed players.

But he said regardless of the commission's decision, its junior programs would stand for next year and the Magpies would still exist.

The Magpies lost to Sturt by seven points on Sunday but were praised for their endeavour in the face of growing uncertainty.

"There has been speculation for over 12 months about the possibility of a reserves team, the players are aware something will be changing, it's just disappointing we have had to deal with so much uncertainty for the entire season'" Meiklejohn said.

"Naturally guys will be thinking of their own futures, whether that be 2014 or 2015.

""The players - I can't fault them, they put in week-in, week-out and put their body on the line and to not know where our future lies is frustrating.

"But the guys have a lot of pride. We're playing for each other and want to finish off as best we can."

Meiklejohn said it would be nice for players and fans to know for certain whether this weekend would be a farewell to Alberton as they know it.

"It would just be great for everyone if they made a decision straight away but it is what it is," he said.

"You can point the finger at the SANFL or our footy club but what's that going to achieve?

"Ultimately it is out of our control."

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