Port Adelaide fans ask for extra crowd numbers at Adelaide Oval

Port players and fans are asking for a rise in crowd numbers ahead of Friday night’s game. Should they be given an exemption to statewide rules? Vote in the poll.

Fans, players and the Port Adelaide Football Club are calling on SA Premier Steven Marshall to boost the number of fans allowed at Friday night’s qualifying final against Geelong at Adelaide Oval.

Power chief executive officer Matthew Richardson was hopeful more than 15,000 fans would be allowed through the turnstiles this weekend, given the recent easing of Covid-19 restrictions in SA.

“SA Health has taken a cautious approach over the last three weeks (with capacity at 15,000) which has worked well and hopefully the success of that provides them the confidence to extend the capacity restrictions for our qualifying final this Friday night,” Mr Richardson said.

“Other restrictions have lifted recently so we are hopeful we can also get up towards at least 50 per cent, which was the capacity for last year’s AFL finals at Adelaide Oval.”

After winning last Friday night, Power star Travis Boak and vice-captain Ollie Wines both called on Mr Marshall to bump up the numbers of supporters allowed at Adelaide Oval.

The two-point win over the Western Bulldogs secured the team a top-two finish and a double chance.

Port Adelaide member of more than 20 years, David Ferrari, echoed the calls for big crowds.

“If we can have a full stadium of fans it will really help the boys get over the line,” he said.

He hoped Mr Marshall could “wave his magic wand” and allow fans to fill the stands.

Whatever the capacity, Mr Ferrari hoped his Albert Park family would be able to secure tickets.

“They’re just coming into really good form. It’s a really exciting time for this group,” he said.

Mr Marshall said he was “absolutely delighted” the Power had secured two home finals.

“I know South Australians are really looking forward to some footy finals here in South Australia at the beautiful Adelaide Oval,” he said.

Port Adelaide fans Helga, Chico (dog), Michaela, 14, Daniel, 11 and David Ferrari. Picture: Keryn Stevens

But, he said concerns about the “very dangerous” Delta variant of Covid-19 meant a full stadium was unlikely.

“Our primary concern, of course, has to be with keeping our state safe,” he said.

“I don’t think we are going to get to 100 per cent capacity at Adelaide Oval for finals footy in SA,” Mr Marshall said.

He said the government was continuing discussions with the AFL about hosting finals at Adelaide Oval, and would put forward a “competitive and compelling bid” to host the grand final.

“The players love the Adelaide Oval, the spectators would love to have the grand final here in SA,” he said.

A spokeswoman for SA Health said a number of meetings would be held before determining finals crowd capacity Adelaide Oval.