Heroes

Gavin Wanganeen

Gavin Wanganeen played exactly 300 games for Essendon and Port Adelaide. He was the first ever Aboriginal Footballer to achieve this milestone.

In 1993, Gavin won the Brownlow Medal as the best & fairest player in the AFL. He also played in two Premierships - one each with Essendon (1993) & Port Adelaide (2004).

Gavin was highly regarded for his silky skills, the quality of his possession and his ability to read the play better than anyone.

He played much of his career in the back-pocket, but didn't mind popping down the field to kick a few goals.

After his successful years at Essendon, Gavin was honoured to return to Port Adelaide as the first Captain of the Power. He played 172 games for the Power, including an integral role in the 2004 Grand Final winning team, where he kicked 4 goals.

After retiring from the game in 2006, Gavin recently became the Ambassador for Youth Opportunity. He regularly visits schools and talk to young people about achieving their dreams in life.

Gavin's Achievements:

• 1990 SANFL Rookie of the Year
• 1990 SANFL Premiership
• 1991 AFLPA Rookie of the Year
• 1993 Michael Tuck Medal
• 1993 Brownlow Medal
• 1993 AFL Premiership
• 1993 Young Aboriginal Sports Star of the Year
• 1997-2000 Port Adelaide Club Captain
• 2003 John Cahill Medal
• 2003 Brownlow Medal Runner-up
• 2004 AFL Premiership
• Member of Champions of Essendon
• Member of Indigenous team of the Century
• All Australian Team: 1992, 1993, 1995, 2001, 2003
• AFL Life Membership

Daniel Motlop

A mid-sized forward, Daniel is strong overhead and one of the most miraculous goalsneaks in the AFL when the ball hits the ground.

The club’s leading goalkicker in 2008 with a career-high 57 goals, Daniel also prides himself on his chasing and tackling, which helped him record his highest ever finish in the best and fairest (third) last year.

Awards

• Dream Team Selection 2008
• International Rules Selection 2008
• 3rd Best & Fairest 2008
• Club Leading Goalkicker 2008 (57)

Video

Daniel Motlop demonstrates his amazing goal-kicking skills;

Danyle Pearce

The lightning-quick on-baller is a former winner of the NAB AFL Rising Star award for the best young player in the AFL (2006).

Danyle had a solid year in 2008, finishing second at Port in kicks and running bounces and fourth in disposals, but also working hard defensively, finishing fourth in tackles.

His ability to break the lines and kick a long goal makes him a valuable part of the Power midfield.

Awards

• 2006 NAB AFL Rising Star winner
• NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2006
• International Rules Series 2006
• Gavin Wanganeen Medal (U21 Power player) 2006
• PAFC Best First Year Player 2005

Marlon Motlop

Spent most of his first season last year playing in the SANFL with North Adelaide, but was called up for the Power’s last two games, showing a lot of poise racking up 14 disposals against Melbourne in round 21 and 16 disposals and a freakish goal from the boundary line against North Melbourne in round 22. Still a developing player but shapes as a future attacking half-back in the mould of Peter Burgoyne.

Nathan Krakouer

In his third season at the Power, Nathan has reinvented his game to become a defensive ‘quarterback’, his pinpoint disposal being used to send the team forward from defence. Recruited from Western Australia, Nathan has worked very hard at developing his game, overcoming injury and adding defensive skills to become a valuable part of the Port Adelaide side.

Wade Thompson

Wade Thompson was recruited from North Adelaide in 2009 and has since been elevated from the Rookie to the Senior list. Wade is a small forward who has electrifying pace and good goal sense.

Wade was also the coach of the winning Para West boys team in the first Power Cup in 2008.