Brisbane free-agent Tom Rockliff joins Port Adelaide in more than a ‘career move’

PORT Adelaide has claimed Brisbane free-agent Tom Rockliff to add more midfield and scoring power to its playbook.

Brisbane free-agent midfielder Tom Rockliff, left, pushed aside a “come-home” offer from Carlton to take up a four-year contract with Port Adelaide considering Adelaide as the best place for his family life after becoming a father in September. Picture: Dan Peled

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TOM Rockliff chose Port Adelaide not only to enhance his football ambitions, but also to find a city in which to build his family - a theme that resonates with Power coach Ken Hinkley.

The former Brisbane captain yesterday formally joined Port Adelaide as a free agent after passing up a strong “come-home” sales pitch from Victorian AFL club Carlton.

The 2014 All-Australian ends an eight-year association with the Lions - and walks away from a new home he had built to his design in Brisbane.

“They’re just bricks and pavers - it’s a family that makes a home,” Rockliff told The Advertiser last night after Brisbane released the midfielder to the Power.

Rockliff, 27, will soon move to Adelaide with his partner Sharna Roelandts and their first child, son Jack who was born three weeks ago. They intend to grow their family in Adelaide, a theme that counters the image of top-line AFL players not wanting to move to SA.

“Carlton was very impressive - and buoyant in their confidence of what they can do on the field,” Rockliff said. “And going home to Victoria was a factor I had to consider as well.

“But Adelaide was the best place for a young family ... and Port Adelaide has given me the opportunity to set up my future.

“That is where Ken Hinkley was really important as I was making my decision, as was (captain) Travis Boak in catching up with me a few times to explain how I could help Port Adelaide.”

Tom Rockliff of the Lions kisses his black armbands after losing his cousin this season. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images

Rockliff has a four-year deal with Port Adelaide - and a new game to work as the Power wants him both in the midfield and at the goalfront, in much the same way Hinkley played Robbie Gray this year.

“I’ll have the chance to spend more time forward - and be quite dangerous inside-50,” Rockliff said. “I’ve not had that opportunity while working in the Brisbane midfield.

“I’m excited that I get the chance to play in multiple positions, adding to Port Adelaide’s midfield depth while roving to (All-Australian ruckman) Paddy Ryder and to its scoring when I am forward.”

Rockliff, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, has not play a final in his 154-game stint at Brisbane. He refuses to take this as a given with Port Adelaide.

“Not when there is no guarantee in football, but I do believe Port Adelaide is in a very good position for success,” Rockliff said.

Brisbane will get a compensation pick at the end of the first round of next month’s draft (No. 18). This will be critical in closing a deal with Adelaide for contracted speedster Charlie Cameron.

The Crows last night rejected an option to work a three-club deal with Brisbane for Cameron and Melbourne for uncontracted defender Jake Lever, despite the Lions and Demons being in agreement.

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