CEO Keith Thomas wants a Port Adelaide SANFL reserves team without losing the Magpies' under-age sides

PORT Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas won't lie down in his battle to have a SANFL reserves team &keep the Magpies under-age sides and recruiting zones.

Keith Thomas

PORT Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas won't lie down in his battle to have a reserves team in the SANFL and keep the Magpies under-age sides and recruiting zones.

Thomas this morning issued a statement to his club's members responding to an article in today's The Advertiser by chief football writer Michelangelo Rucci which argued Port had to choose between the two.

"We are simply asking to retain our under-16s, 18s and reserves sides and a junior zone for the Magpies," Thomas wrote.

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"I understand why that wouldn't seem important to non-Port Adelaide people, but it's important to us because that's where our heart is! It's what gives Port Adelaide soul and substance. It's what makes us meaningful in the SANFL, and absolutely unique in the AFL.

Port needs to pick an identity

"I have never understood why some people have difficulty with the co-existence of the Power and the Magpies. We are Port Adelaide. We have an AFL team and an SANFL team. One plays on the national stage, and one plays locally.

"We love them both.

Read Thomas' full statement here

"If the SANFL club directors feel inclined, they may invite us to formally mix the two together to strengthen both Port Adelaide and their competition, whilst at the same time allowing the Crows into the SANFL.

"We think that would be an enlightened decision for football in this state. But it should not need to come at the expense of our club's junior and community programs."