AFL 2023: Connor Rozee backs Travis Back to go around again amid speculation on his future

Travis Boak is understood to have not yet made a decision on his playing future, but if he chooses to go on the Power would be anxious to force the veteran out.

Darcy Byrne-Jones and Travis Boak of Port Adelaide celebrate the win after the round 24 AFL match between Port Adelaide Power and Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval, on August 27, 2023, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Port Adelaide great Travis Boak won’t make a decision on his playing future until after the club’s finals series is completed, as teammate Connor Rozee predicted the 35-year-old still has plenty to offer the team.

Saturday’s semi-final against Greater Western Sydney could be Boak’s last game, if the Power happen to lose.

It is understood Boak has yet to decide if he wants to play on in 2024, while the Power would be nervous about forcing out one of the club’s greatest players for fear of alienating the supporter base who were angry after reports this week that there is an impasse between the player and club.

Boak is out of contract at season’s end and has had a reduced role this season with the veteran being the tactical sub on four occasions.

He will turn 36 in August next year and would be mindful that another Port Adelaide skipper Tom Jonas was pushed out of the team and announced late last month that he would be retiring at season’s end.

Will Travis Boak play on in 2024? Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Boak, who had five disposals after coming on in last week’s qualifying final loss to Brisbane Lions, has played 347 games for the Power, the most in the AFL for the club.

Rozee, touted as a future captain for the Power and who has been mentored by Boak, said he thought there was still a place for him.

“I don’t think I’ll be asking him if he is retiring,” he said.

“He will make that decision, he won our time trial in pre-season so he definitely isn’t lacking in the physical side of things and he has been amazing for our football club.

“Luckily I don’t have to make a decision on that, I would love him to be here.

“He is not a one trick pony and he provides so much to our group that is not performance based, he does so much for the club off the field.

“I’ve learnt so much from him, I’m sure there is a role to play if he wants to do that.

“We would love to have him here, he has been so big for the club over the last 10 to 15 years, so I’m sure that will be his decision and the club’s together.”

Tom Jonas is pushing to get back into the Power side. Picture: Getty Images

Power captain Tom Jonas has already announced his retirement at the end of the season.

Rozee said Jonas and Boak had been huge for the younger leaders this year.

“He has been huge for me personally, so has Tom as well,” Rozee said.

“It is nice to have leaders who are so selfless and not afraid to share the knowledge that they have built up along the way and be prepared for a different role on the weekend to sacrifice themselves for people to play another role.”

Originally published as AFL 2023: Connor Rozee backs Travis Back to go around again amid speculation on his future