If you’re a player seeking to join a South Australian club, which of the two would you choose?
Port Adelaide has had a little bit more luck in attracting players their way over the last decade or so, as opposed to the Adelaide Crows.
Former Crow Richard Douglas, who played 246 games for the club, acknowledges this and has outlined some reasons as to why he believes the Power are more desirable than the Crows for players seeking a shift to SA.
“I’ve written down a few things - the three Ps,” Douglas said on Sportsday SA.
Proactive
“I know Chris Davies does a fantastic job with Jason Cripps the list manager.
“They get out there, they initiate conversations, it gets out in the media.
“With the Crows, perhaps they do this stuff behind closed doors, I’m not sure.
“But certainly I’d feel more proactive in that space, seeking out players and talking with managers.”
People
“It’s all about people.
“Port all-in-all have had better relationships with their players.
“We know the Crows have had things that have happened and have been well-publicised in the media.
“That doesn’t go down well if you’re wanting to come to a club. They take note of that.”
Performance
“Port have been more consistent than the Crows.
“Over the journey and over the last 10 years since Ken Hinkley came.
“They’ve only had the one coach and the Crows have had a few coaches.”
Douglas further explained why perhaps the Power, in this current climate, might be the place to be if you’re wanting to join a South Australian club.
“So they are a few things if you’re a player looking to come to a club. Port is probably more attractive than what the Crows have got,” he added.
“Don’t forget, if you’re taking a player down to West Lakes, it’s not exactly selling you is it, with the facilities down there. Port have got pretty good facilities there (at Alberton).
“In saying all that, the Crows have got a pretty big check book at the moment.”
In recent years, the Power have signed the likes of Aliir Aliir, Ryan Burton, Orazio Fantasia and Jeremy Finlayson, among others, from rival clubs.
The Crows landed Jordan Dawson from Sydney last trade period, while Billy Frampton moved between the two clubs, and Jackson Hately and Mitch Hinge also became Crows from other clubs.