Port Pirie to host AFL Showdown

Port Pirie is set to become the latest regional hub to roll out the welcome mat for the AFL, with a Showdown headlining the 2019 JLT Series on Saturday March 2.

Set to be played at the newly-renovated Memorial Oval from 3.40pm, the pre-season fixture between Adelaide and Port Adelaide is expected to attract a crowd of up to 10,000 from the city and surrounding areas.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Port Pirie Regional Council Chief Executive Peter Ackland revealed the Port Pirie Sports Precinct had undergone a $24 million redevelopment, which includes a double-storey function centre, surface upgrade and a new aquatics centre.

The neighbouring Pirie West Oval has also been included, ensuring an alternative venue can also be used to preserve the Memorial Oval.

Ackland said he hoped hosting the Crows and Power would be the first of many elite fixtures at the venue, including future JLT Series, AFLW and SANFL matches.

It will be the first time since 2004, in Kadina, that SA’s two AFL clubs have clashed in a regional pre-season match, with the other contest being at Encounter Bay in 2000.

In the other JLT Series match to be played in South Australia, Port Adelaide will host North Melbourne at Alberton Oval on Saturday March 9 from 12.40pm.

This will give the Power two matches in its home state while the Crows will head to Canberra to confront the GWS Giants on Friday March 8 from 6.40pm.