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Magpies merger voted down

By Mr Dandalooa

The SANFL bosses have voted down a merger between Port Power and the Port Adelaide Magpies.

Port Adelaide’s proposed merger with debt-stricken local affiliate club, the Port Adelaide Magpies, appears to be a no-go with SANFL directors unanimously voting down the idea.

The Power were forced to separate from the Magpies when they entered in to the AFL 13 years ago, in a strategic move designed to save the SANFL club financially.

But they found strong opposition to the idea from SANFL clubs across the board, with AFL rivals Adelaide Crows also blocking the move in a meeting at Football Park on Tuesday.

A SANFL spokesperson said although the directors are sympathetic to the Magpies’ current position, the basis of the recommendation was not about denying the club’s continuation in the SANFL competition.

They said the league’s head honchos viewed Magpies’ proposed model as unsustainable and that it would not be a competitive club on or off the field.

“The financial plans presented by both clubs to the league directors for consideration did not contain a compelling business case to raise confidence for any improvement in finances over the next three years,” the spokesperson said.

Speculation is now mounting that the failure of the merger signals the end of the Magpies club, while also not helping the precarious financial state of the Power.

FootyGoss understands the SANFL commission will meet today to review the decision of the league directors and reserves the right to diverge from the recommendation made.

The Commission has indicated it will give the matter its full and due consideration and following the special meeting, the executive commissioner will advise the public of the final decision.

Former Magpies players and coaching staff say they are not surprised by the decision, but remain disappointed.