Port Adelaide supporters are among the most passionate and vocal supporters in world sport. They create an unrivalled experience on gameday, the best atmosphere in the AFL competition. Whether it’s here at Alberton in the SANFL or AFLW or at Adelaide Oval amongst 50-thousand others, the colour and noise is always something to behold.
The club’s official cheer squad was formed back in 1965 and continues to this day, run and organised by some of the most passionate fans in world sport. The group makes the banners the players run through, organises buses and tickets to away games, and provides the colour and noise behind the goals at games. Members of the Cheer squad are often right at the front of what has become a tradition before AFL games – a supporter march to Adelaide Oval.
There are various interstate supporter groups as well.
Since taking AFL games to Adelaide Oval, supporters have adopted an unofficial anthem of sorts. With scarves held above their heads, 50-thousand people stand and sing the words to the iconic 1980s ballad Never Tear Us Apart, written by the rock group INXS.
The song is played in the 60 seconds before the first bounce – and the experience of a stadium standing together is something to experience.
Never Tear Us Apart as a song resonated with the Port Adelaide’s history: when the Power entered the AFL in 1997, it was forced to cut ties with its traditional SANFL side: the Port Adelaide Magpies. The sides were reunited as one club in 2010.
While the club has more than 70-thousand members, its supporter base is now said to be more than 300-thousand strong according to data by Roy Morgan Research.
These days Alberton Oval’s capacity is said to be around 10,000, but the venue’s record attendance came against traditional rival Norwood back in 1977; a season in which the club had returned to playing games at Alberton after the end of a two-year council dispute. That day in June 1977 saw 22-thousand-738 people come through the gates.
Standing here you can picture supporters decked out in their black, white, silver and teal, huge flags and banners held high, streamers and floggers flying, all Port Adelaide proud.
Thank you
That brings our audio tour to an end. We hope you enjoyed learning about Port Adelaide’s rich history.
If you borrowed headphones, please return them to the membership counter. You can purchase your own pair of Port headphones and browse the large range of club merchandise at the Port Store. While you’re here, grab a bite to eat at The Precinct. Members receive discounts at both venues. If you’re not already a member, you can speak to our team today by visiting the Membership Counter, or purchasing online.
We look forward to having you here again.
10