UPDATE
Warren Tredrea insists he has not chased an apology from Ryan Burton after the Power defender publicly supported a rival board candidate.
Burton posted in support of Bruce Abernethy, who is up against Tredrea for a position on the Port Adelaide board of directors. Burton soon after clarified his position as a personal one, given he’s in a relationship with Abernethy’s daughter Brie.
Kane Cornes on Thursday morning suggested Tredrea had sought an apology from club and player, however the Power’s only AFL premiership skipper denies this.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Tredrea posted: “Given the public interest surrounding what has become a highly publicized Members’ election to the Port Adelaide Football Club’s Board of Directors, it is imperative that the process remain impartial and independent to ensure a fair and just contest.
“I have addressed this matter with Ryan Burton personally, and sympathise and understand his predicament. Let it be known I never sought an apology from Ryan personally, and categorically deny any report that suggests otherwise.
“I have no further comment in relation to the matter and look forward to an exciting season ahead for our Club celebrating the 20th anniversary of its inaugural AFL Premiership in 2004.”
Given the public interest surrounding what has become a highly publicized Members’ election to the Port Adelaide Football Club’s Board of Directors, it is imperative that the process remain impartial and independent to ensure a fair and just contest.
— Warren Tredrea (@warrentredrea) February 1, 2024
I have addressed this matter…
While it’s unusual for any player or employee of a club to publicly support a player during a board battle, News Corp reports Port Adelaide won’t stop anyone involved with the club from endorsing either candidate.
With the members’ election currently underway, the winner will be declared on Friday, February 9.
EARLIER
Port Adelaide great Warren Tredrea has demanded a second apology from his former club over drama surrounding the upcoming members' election, it can be revealed.
Tredrea is locked in a battle with SANFL legend Bruce Abernethy for a position on the board of directors, with Port Adelaide members currently in the polling period.
Voting closes on February 7, with the results to be announced two days later at the club’s annual general meeting.
Tredrea, the club’s only AFL premiership captain, has pledged he is willing to do whatever it takes to improve the Power, while Abernethy, a seven-time SANFL premiership player for Port, wants his club to return to the Port Adelaide way.
But with a week left of voting, Tredrea’s premiership teammate Kane Cornes has revealed a scandal has somewhat interrupted the process.
Power defender Ryan Burton is in a relationship with Abernethy’s daughter Brie and recently shared Abernethy’s letter to members that pushed his case to join the board.
However, Cornes says that decision caused plenty of friction.
“It did not go down well with Warren. I’m led to believe Warren rang the club really angrily and demanded an apology from the football club and from Ryan for sharing Bruce Abernethy's (letter), remembering he’s the father of Ryan’s partner. He (Burton) is in a very awkward position,” Cornes revealed on SEN Breakfast.
Burton has since apologised, posting on an Instagram story: “The posting of Bruce’s letter was done by me personally, in the context of my relationship with his daughter Brie. It was not intended, in any way, to reflect a view or endorsement from any member of the PAFC board or management and should not be taken as such.”
But that too didn’t hit the mark.
“Ryan has since apologised via social media… I’m led to believe that apology did not hit the mark for Tredders and he wants a further apology from the club, not just from Ryan,” Cornes added.
Tredrea has been endorsed by inaugural Power president Greg Boulton and former CEO John James to join the board.
It comes in the context of News Corp reporting cynics believe Abernethy is returning at the club’s wish to stop Tredrea from winning.
Tredrea offered to fill the AFL-appointed seat on Port Adelaide’s board last year before being knocked back by chairman David Koch, who insisted the now 45-year-old would need to stand at the members’ election.
The successful candidate will be appointed to the board on a three-year term, with results expected on Friday week.