What a year 2007 turned out to be. Winning the Premiership produced experiences and feelings that will be with us forever. Premierships as a player were always so rewarding and memorable but as a coach the main feeling was one of completion. We had set up a plan and put it into practice, we had worked very hard as a group and the satisfaction was to reap the rewards.
I wish to take this opportunity to formally thank Stephen Murphy and the Board and Management of The Port Football Club for their continued support. They have given the coaching and playing staff all the rock solid support we need whilst at the same time never once tried to influence or second guess us for selections and match day related activities which allowed us the freedom to concentrate on the on field results. Success starts at the top with management and stability where we believe we are leaders in this area, which in turn flows down to other areas.
Thanks to all the members of the footy committee who again worked hard. Establishing a strong players list has been our priority. The results of our hard work were evident when all three of our teams made it to the Grand Final. This is a positive sign of our depth and a great pointer toward our future.
Special recognition to all our players in all three grades. Many who started training in December in 2006. There commitment and dedication has been outstanding. Sometimes we do not appreciate the amount of time and effort that the players put in. On behalf of Matty Ganley, Graham Hoile and the whole club I thank each and every player for their contribution in 2007.
There is so much to write, but I have again reflected on the whole year and have identified some highlights:-
The fantastic support and effort of Matt Ganley as Assistant Coach and Reserves Coach
The amount of km's Tim Smith would have done throughout the whole year. Great effort.
The build up week before the Grand Final
The difficulties we had in selecting the Grand Final teams.
The Grand Final Day -our three teams making the final and the great atmosphere this bought - the feeling and euphoria when we heard the final siren - the events of the following week.
The successful recruiting drive of our football committee
The fantastic commitment of players who travelled each week - Jordan Coombe, Seth Roberts, Aaron Bergsma, Michael Burford, Jarrad Vennus, Josh Keain, Luke Copley, Brad Clarke, Tom Clarke
The many new players introduced to the club
The development of our young players Simon Treloar, Matty Thornton, James Drage, Josh Sykes
The enthusiasm, commitment and discipline of all players.
Andrew Waters as fitness coach
The wonderful effort of Jamie Keane keeping Stats each week- much appreciated
Geof Keane and his outstanding effort and support as team manager
The fantastic leadership of Ben Luteria, Andrew Fleming, Brodie Mudge and Michael Burford
The drawn Game against South. Every other game against South
Our response after two straight losses especially as people started to write us off!!
The positive numbers at the club after games especially kids, wives and girlfriends.
The overall positive feeling around the club at training and after games
The support from members and supporters
The success of the Band ‘Sideshow' well done to Flemo and helpers
The Past Players Show
The Movie Stars Theme night
The Port Ball
Presentation Night
The family Day at Bangor
The Thursday night meals after training - well done Neville, Jenny and helpers
The hard work of our Junior Committee and Coaches
The success of some of our Juniors - Lewis Johnston, Jake Bullen and Dean Christie
Graham Hoile and his Senior Colts
The ongoing commitment of Brooka, and his helpers
Success comes with hard work and many helpers. Without leaving out any individuals I wish to thank all those who helped in any way. We have many volunteers who continue to work hard for our club. I hope that our premiership will be just rewards for their efforts.
We are also very fortunate to have wonderful sponsors who contribute so much to our club. I wish to personally thank Martin and Trish Hunter, Steven and Kylie Pisani, TJ, Mick and Sue Tattoli, West End, Rick & Sue Connor. Their generous support is greatly appreciated.
Our premiership becomes part of history and it is a strong reminder of all those who have been before us. I feel privileged and honoured to be part of this fantastic club and fully respect the history we have created.
I believe we are a Family at the Port Football Club. We continue to be a friendly and welcoming place for all including wives, children, friends, and girlfriends. We share experiences and feelings and develop relationships that are everlasting.
I look forward to another exciting year. We will need to work even harder as we now have become the hunted. I am as motivated and excited as ever. My hunger to experience another premiership is undeniable.
I am very optimistic and excited about the future for all involved in the Port Football Club. I thank you for taking the time to read my letter and look forward to seeing you at our club in 2008.
We represent you. We are part of you. We hope to see you!
Heart and Hunger in 2008
Yours in football,
Don DePalma
Coach, Port Football Club
1909 - 2009 Centenary of the St. Marks / Port Football Club
Next year we celebrate the centenary of the St. Marks / Port Football Club. The Club will be having a number of functions throughout the year to celebrate this milestone with the main weekend for celebrations being the June long weekend. The Club hopes to play our arch rivals Sollies on the Saturday. If you have any photos that the Club can copy or memorabilia that you would like to donate or loan please contact Lance Leak or Stephen Murphy at the Club.
Practice Cricket Nets
The Wandearah & South Port Cricket Clubs have been very fortunate in obtaining a $30,000 grant from Clubs SA to build state of the art cricket nets at the Port Oval. They are currently being built at the corner of Wandearah & Esmond Roads and will consist of 4 hard wickets & 4 turf wickets. This is a wonderful boost to cricket in Port Pirie.
The current turf pitches on the oval will see over 60 games of cricket played on them this season and they have proved to be a great success with sides from all over the mid north playing.
It is great to see the Port Oval used every weekend in summer, it's a pity the SGL won't let us play football on our own oval.
2008 Coaches: League, Don Depalma - Seconds, Matt Ganley - Thirds Graham Hoile
2008 Season starts 18th April with Grand Final 20th September
YOUR CLUB SUPPORTING YOUR COMMUNITY
The Port Football & Community Sporting Club over the last year has given either financial support or a donation of goods to the following community groups and individuals: The Sporting Association of Port Pirie - Port Pirie Rifle Club - Risdon Hockey Club - Port Netball Club - Solly Cats Softball Club - Port Pirie Bowling Club - Life FM Christmas Party for Special Children - Make a Wish - Port Basketball Club - Spectres Basketball Club - Port Volleyball Club - Patriots Junior Basketball - Port Pirie Swimming Club - Port Pirie Combined Service Club's - Burnell's Boxing Gym - Port Pirie Tennis Association - Port Pirie Ministers Association - Wandearah Cricket Club - South Port Cricket Club - T.Dunkley, J.Capurso, K.Dunkley, J.Mezzino, S.Mayes & Kolbi Whittaker, State Country Basketball - St. Mark's College - Riding for the Disabled - Movember - Port Pirie Camp Quality - Port Pirie Golf Club - Port Pirie Cricket Association - Port Pirie Softball Association - Boystown - World's Greatest Shave - Relay for Life - Skate Park Project - Port Pirie Darts Association - Uniting Care Wesley - Julian Burton Burn's Trust - Chloe Joyce, State Netball - Kelly Martlew, Special Olympics, - Madeline Jordan, State Hockey - Risdon Hockey Club, C.Joyce, K.Athanasos, D.Roberts, E.Holze, N.Morrison, G.Pepe, State Hockey - Prostate Cancer Council
Masters Games 2008
5th April to 13th April
Super Rules Football will be played at the Port Oval on the 5th & 6th April. If you are looking for a game contact Grant Tubb for details.
Cricket will be played at the Port Oval on the 11th April and will be played as a 20 20 format. Any one looking for a game contact Stephen Murphy at the Club.
This years closing ceremony will be held on the Port Oval on Saturday the 12th April.
portfc.com.au
Is being developed on an ongoing basis and members will notice the site being updated regularly. Our aim is to have the site fully operational by the start of the football season with scores and match details uploaded weekly.
PORT JUNIORS IN 2007
The Under 15's were coached by Maurie Rafanelli and unfortunately were unable to win a game. A lot of the Under 13's helped out all season. A lot of fun was had through out the season with the help of Mick Murphy, Jamie McNamara, Noel Brooke, Neville Thomson and Ramo. The Don Rafanelli Medal was won by Cody Brooke.
The Under 13's finished top and were coached by Rodney Clarke but lost the Grand Final. The Walsh Medal was won by Jake Bullen who also won the Yates Medal for the Best & Fairest Under 13 player.
The Under 11's coached by Mark Finlay had an undefeated season. The John Rafanelli Medal winner was Ethan Finlay.
The Little League had heaps of fun coached by Adam Magor. Thanks to all umpires and helpers through out the season.
To John Rafanelli we thank you for fundraising - BBQ's etc. To Bob Sard, John Anderson & Tony Mavilio thankyou for your help.
News Flashes 
