PORT Stephens Power AFL Club are set to create history in 2024 by fielding a men’s team for the first time in the Hunter Central Coast AFL Black Diamond Plate competition.

The Power still requires players for their inaugural men’s squad and have already garnered interest from a mix of talented converts from other sports such as basketball and cricket.

If they achieve their goal the Power will reach a milestone by boasting both a men’s and women’s side in the Hunter Central Coast AFL series for the first time since the club’s inception back in 1999.

Port Stephens Power AFL president Heather Marsh told News Of The Area that the club was seeking “new and existing mens players that would like an opportunity to compete at a senior level”.

“We welcome potential players from all sporting backgrounds that are keen to have a crack at AFL with no experience necessary,” quipped Heather.

The Power have a burgeoning Juniors partnership with the Nelson Bay Marlins AFL Club, who also hope to create history by fielding a women’s team in the 2024 Black Diamond Plate series.

“This would be a real fillip for AFL in the Port Stephens region if the Power mens and Marlins women’s teams are formed this season,” exclaimed Heather.

Port Stephens Power have also organised free one hour Kicking Clinics this Sunday, February 18 at Medowie’s Ferodale Oval with former Sydney Swans star Tim Schmidt for any seniors or juniors already registered.

37-year-old Schmidt – highly regarded for his polished kicking skills during an injury-riddled career- played seventeen games for the Swans and received the Rising Star of the Year Award in 2007.

He coached the Greater Western Sydney Giants AFLW team in its inaugural season in 2017 and today fosters future stars at his kicking and skills academy, Kicking Dynamics.

This Sunday’s Kicking Clinic schedule starts at 1pm for Under 9 to Under 11 Mixed players (1pm to 2pm); Under 13s to Under 15s Mixed (2.10pm to 3.10pm); Senior Men – Under 17s and any Under 15s missing Mixed (3.20pm to 4.20pm) and Senior Women – any Under 15-17 Girls (4.30pm to 5.30pm).

Players that register for the club on the day are eligible to attend the clinic.

Five Port Stephens juniors have also gained selection in the Sydney Swans Academy squads for 2024.

Outstanding centre half forward Maddi Marsh was named in the Swans’ Top End Female Under 16 program while promising midfielders Tom Warren (Under 15), Jorja Warren and forward Caitlyn Ashpole (Under 14) plus midfielder Jake Marsh (Under 13) will all train in the lead up to selection for the Super 24 series against GWS Giants at Coffs Harbour in September.

President Heather praised the efforts of all the Power juniors that participated in the Swans Academy trials.

Further enquiries to Heather Marsh on 0400 881 691.

By Chris KARAS