The SANFL has released a statement in response to Port Adelaide’s desire to part with the state league in favour of a national AFL reserves competition.
SEN SA’s Michelangelo Rucci reported on Monday the news, saying it would be a “no-blame divorce”.
“The SANFL and Port have met, let’s call it a no-blame divorce,” Rucci told SEN SA.
“Because the SANFL has got to look after its competition and the eight traditional clubs.
“Port Adelaide has got to look after its development program and its needs in the AFL. They don’t match anymore.”
The SANFL however have stated that Port Adelaide remains contracted to playing in the league until 2028.
The Port Adelaide Football Club is contracted to playing in the SANFL until 2028.
The last discussion we had with the AFL mid year was that an AFL Reserves competition was not a priority.
We review the licence conditions that apply to the AFL clubs playing in the SANFL on an annual basis to provide all clubs with an opportunity to be competitive.
The SANFL competition is considered the best outside of the AFL, and as a League we will continue to balance what’s best for football in South Australia.
Port Adelaide has won 36 SANFL premierships dating as far back as 1884.
Only the Power, Crows, Fremantle and West Coast’s reserves teams play in league’s outside of the now expanded VFL.