The Power will officially make its home crowd the 23rd player in its team in 2008 and has a special way of saying thanks.
After a home win, one Power fan in the crowd will be selected by the players to come onto the oval and be officially inducted as the team’s 23rd player on the day.
Best of all, the 23rd player will receive a golden Power guernsey with “23rd PLAYER” written on the back to wear on AAMI Stadium and to keep. The club chose gold to make it different from its other guernseys and to make sure it stands out if the 23rd player chooses to wear it back to AAMI Stadium at the next Power home game!
Captain Warren Tredrea said it was a great way to recognise the already significant contribution the Power crowd makes at home games.
“We say it a lot and we do mean it – a loud, passionate crowd can directly affect what happens on the field,” he said.
“Last year we had three 40,000 crowds to finish the year and being out on the field, it really makes the hair on your neck stand up and I know the feeling for fans in the stands is very similar.
“I still remember the noise after Daniel Motlop slotted the goal on three quarter time of the final against West Coast and we moved the huddle to the outer wing and the whole crowd just roared throughout the break. It gave us a huge boost going into the final term.
“Giving away the gold 23rd player guernsey is a gesture to say thanks to everyone for coming, making noise, and helping us win. And the guernsey will be a great keepsake for whoever we pick out of the crowd.”
The 23rd player guernsey, as modelled in the accompanying photo, is plain gold at the front with a Power, Bianco and Reebok logo across the neckline.
The first 23rd player guernsey will be awarded on Thursday night if the Power defeats Geelong in the hugely anticipated grand final re-match.
