Pettigrew, 26, played 103 games for the Power over eight seasons after he was recruited at the 2003 AFL National Draft as a third round selection (no. 46 overall). The reliable defender debuted in Round 1 2004 against Essendon at AAMI Stadium and became a consistent member of the Port Adelaide side in the following years.
Pettigrew enjoyed an outstanding season in the Power’s surge to the grand final in 2007, playing every game for the season. Injury restricted Pettigrew to just one game in 2010 and he failed to cement a regular place in the Power line-up this season playing just 12 games, his final appearance coming against Collingwood at AAMI Stadium in Round 20.
Port Adelaide general manager - football, Peter Rohde, said Pettigrew - who has ended his football career to focus on a new phase in his life with his young family - will be remembered as a versatile player who got the very best out of himself.
“Michael has been at our club since the end of 2003 and he really worked hard at his game to become a regular member within his first couple of years,” Rohde said.
“He played mainly in defence on some very dangerous opponents, including both small and tall forwards. But he was also versatile in that we could push him forward on occasions and he had the ability to kick some important goals.
“On behalf of the club, I wish Michael and his family all the very best in the future and thank him for his contribution to the football club. He leaves as a 100 game player with his name on the locker in the Port Adelaide changerooms forever.”
Motlop was recruited to the Power at the end of 2005 after 47 games for the Kangaroos from 2001 to 2005. The 29 year-old made his debut for the Power in Round 1 2006, ironically against the Kangaroos at AAMI Stadium, and played 83 games for the club taking his AFL tally to 130.
Motlop, famous for his freakish goal kicking exploits, kicked 208 goals, 155 of which were with the Power. He enjoyed a brilliant 2008 kicking 57 goals and was rewarded by finishing third in the club best and fairest, and representing Australia in the International Rules Series.
Rohde said Motlop was a very exciting player who was popular with both the fans and his team mates.
“Daniel came to the club as a very exciting player and he certainly continued that during his time here where he was part of some great highlights,” Rohde said.
“He’s always been a very popular player and added a lot to our team but unfortunately in the last part of his career he hasn’t physically been able to do what he’s done in the past and we’ve got to the stage now where we have got to start looking forward.
“This year Daniel struggled to impact as a forward. He played his best footy when he moved further up the ground but we have younger players who are already playing a role in those positions.”
Davenport, 26, played 28 games for the Power over three years after being drafted in the 2008 AFL National Draft as a sixth round selection (no. 78 overall). After debuting in Round 7 2009 against the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium, he made his name as a useful goal sneak kicking 29 goals, four of which came in the last quarter of a match winning effort against West Coast at Subiaco in 2010. Davenport struggled to force his way into the Power side this season, playing just four games.
Rohde said Davenport had been a very dedicated player but was unable to become a consistent contributor at the elite level.
“Jason has been at our club for three years and he’s certainly been a very dedicated player and is well-liked by everyone at the club," Rohde said.
"Unfortunately, he hasn’t been able to become a regular member of our team.”
Rohde thanked Motlop and Davenport for their respective contributions and said decisions of this nature were always very difficult.
“There are only limited places on an AFL list and unfortunately some players have to miss out at this time of the year,” Rohde said.
“In regards to managing our list, it’s important that we free up some spots for the upcoming national draft so that we can improve and refresh our playing stocks.
“Both Daniel and Jason have had a significant impact on our club and on behalf of everyone at the Power, I thank them for their service and wish them and their families all the very best.”
As a result, Port Adelaide will have up to four picks - 6, 45, 51 and 87 - at the AFL National Draft on November 24.
In other list changes, Port Adelaide captain Dom Cassisi has been moved onto the veteran’s list as the Power’s only eligible veteran for season 2012.
