Port Adelaide president Brett Duncanson made an emotional resignation Monday, as the club also confimed it had sacked coach Matthew Primus.
With the Port in turmoil over inconsistent results, including a listless loss to Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, Primus was let go fom the third year of his contract, with Garry Hocking to take over for the final three games of this season.
Duncanson broke down several times during a media conference on Monday, where he announced he would leave the role in December. He has agreed to see the year out at the request of the board.
The club also confirmed it was having an independent review of its football department and administration, commissioned by chief executive officer Keith Thomas.
“Unfortunately, our performances – particularly in the second half of this year – have not demonstrated the rate of progress or consistency that we expected,” Thomas said in a statement Monday.
“Both Brett and Matthew have made enormous contributions to Port Adelaide over a very long time and the full benefits of their efforts will be seen in the years to come.
“These men have put their club first and in doing so leave us with an opportunity to build on their work as we shape our football club for the move to Adelaide Oval and beyond.”
Primus said that while he would like to have continued, he accepted the decision.
“I thank the Port Adelaide Football Club for the opportunity to play and to coach,” Primus said. “It hasn’t worked out the way I wanted. I had a plan to become a successful team and I won’t get the opportunity to see it through.
“I love the club and I love the game, and while I won’t get the opportunity to see that through with Port Adelaide I hope that I will somewhere else.”
Duncanson has been president since 2009. He said his decision to stand down provides an opportunity for renewal as the club embraces the opportunities ahead of it.
“I have supported Port Adelaide all my life and it’s been an honour to serve as a director and president,” Duncanson said in a statement ahead of the media conference.
“I am particularly proud of the role I have played in reuniting the club, in making plans for AFL at Adelaide Oval and in reducing the club’s debt.
“But this is a chance for a fresh set of eyes and a new energy as the club enters the most exciting phase in its history.”
Image: adelaidenow.com.au
