El Zorro
Brownlow Medallist
If those are the only two options then we are ****ed. Why bother voting?The alternative could well be Cassisi.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.

LIVE: Hawthorn v Geelong - Rd 4 - 3:15PM Mon
Squiggle tips Hawks at 65% chance -- What's your tip? -- Injury Lists »
Fantasy Footy Notice Image Round 4
SuperCoach Rd 4 SC Talk - Trade Talk - Capt/VC ,//, AFL Fantasy Rd 4 AF Trades - AFF Talk - Capt/VC
If those are the only two options then we are ****ed. Why bother voting?The alternative could well be Cassisi.
Jesus. Vote 1 TJThe alternative could well be Cassisi.
Log in to remove this Banner Ad
I’m pleased to announce that yesterday I was approved to run as a candidate for the vacant Port Adelaide Football Club Board Director – Member Elect position. PAFC members will receive candidate information and voting instructions from 10 February 2026.
Attached is my Candidate Statement, outlining my priorities and how I hope to contribute to our club with your support.
As a lifelong supporter, member since 1986 and current PACS/TAC member, I’ve watched Port Adelaide grow from a strong community club into an AFL powerhouse – debt-free and proudly owning its license. We’re in a great position for both on-field and off-field success.
I’ve nominated because I believe in the vital role members play in shaping our club and in helping us take the next steps toward ultimate success.
The 2026 PAFC board election will, of course, include other passionate candidates with a range of skills, experiences, and perspectives to offer our great club. What I bring is a proven track record of advocating for fans’ rights, a history of working collaboratively across football communities, and a genuine commitment to strengthening the voice of members in club governance.
I also have a strong professional background over 30 years in business, finance, and governance to support all aspects of the role.
I’m keen to hear from you - members and supporters about the issues that matter most. Your insights will help ensure our club continues to grow, improve, and stay true to its identity. If elected, my focus is simple: to support you, ensure your voice is heard and do everything i can to help tge club succeed.
Feel free to comment, message me or catch up in person at Alberton Oval and/or upcoming events. I’d love to hear your thoughts and gave your support.
PAFC Forever!
Justin Leckie
Vice President
AFL Fans Association
I didn’t have my glasses on and was reading Jonas as Janus….equally as bad I suppose…
Port Adelaide Football Club – Board Director Candidate StatementI nominated for the member elect Board Director position to help strengthen the voice of all members, fans and volunteers with the board/other custodians of our great club.
Justin Leckie (Lecko11 new Big Footy id)
As a lifelong supporter and member since 1986 (and current PACS/TAC member), I have seen it grow from a successful community club to an AFL powerhouse that is debt free and owns its license. We are well placed for both on-field and off-field success.
I firmly believe that members play a crucial role in club achievements.
Currently, I am Vice President of the AFL Fans Association and have volunteered for nine years to help capture/understand fan views and provide a strong, independent voice for the largest stakeholder in our game. I also play and volunteer in local Masters football.
Professionally, I am a Certified Practising Accountant with over 30 years of experience in governance, finance, assurance, business improvement and management. I have served on boards, advisory committees and initiatives that improve transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
I hope to use these experiences to benefit the PAFC.
If elected, my priorities will be:
. establishing a membership committee (with actual members), improving member engagement systems and maintaining regular contact with members
. contributing to future plans, ensuring resources are used efficiently and clearly reported
. ensuring that club facilities/assets are accessible to members first
. backing volunteers/supporter groups, and
. maintaining traditions and experiences I enjoyed as a young PAFC fan.
I am committed, passionate and ready to be part of the team.
Regards,
Justin Leckie
Member 1035862
That's a bit of a dick move.I read Tom Jonas as John Thomas.
Is he the accountant you quipped about?Welcome to BigFooty Justin. It is great to have members pushing for more member representation and voice.
Hi Justin,
Well done for putting your hand up to nominate for the member elected director at our great Club.
My question to you is as follows:
You claim that you are "...Vice President of the AFL Fans Association and have volunteered for nine years to help capture/understand fan views and provide a strong, independent voice for the largest stakeholder in our game."
I would suggest that over the last decade in particular, we have seen a growing disconnect between the AFL management (ie the AFL Commission and all management at AFL House) and its biggest stakeholders, the fans of each and every club. Whilst the AFL can point to increased membership numbers and increased grassroots participation, this can also be attributed to natural population increases. Additionally, we only have to compare the TV ratings for the 2025 AFL and NRL Grand Finals to see that the AFL no longer has a stranglehold on our country as the undisputed #1 sport.
Given you have had quite a big role in representing the supporters during that time, I can only presume one of three things:
1) The ideas presented by the Fans Association were not implemented by the AFL management due to them been impractical, and of a low level quality that wouldn't improve the state of the game (which I would find hard to believe given there are enough fans out there to express good quality ideas to the league).
2) The ideas presented by the Fans Association were of a good quality, but the Fans Association was unable to effectively communicate to AFL management and persuade them on implementation.
3) The AFL indeed did implement a large chunk of ideas presented by the Fans Association - in which case that would suggest a greater disconnect between the Fans Association and the supporters.
To that point, given what I believe to be a clear disconnect between the AFL and its supporters, in conjunction with you being a key representative of the fans during this disconnect, how can one possibly trust you to effectively represent our Club's members in such
Hi Chewy316Hi Justin,
Well done for putting your hand up to nominate for the member elected director at our great Club.
My question to you is as follows:
You claim that you are "...Vice President of the AFL Fans Association and have volunteered for nine years to help capture/understand fan views and provide a strong, independent voice for the largest stakeholder in our game."
I would suggest that over the last decade in particular, we have seen a growing disconnect between the AFL management (ie the AFL Commission and all management at AFL House) and its biggest stakeholders, the fans of each and every club. Whilst the AFL can point to increased membership numbers and increased grassroots participation, this can also be attributed to natural population increases. Additionally, we only have to compare the TV ratings for the 2025 AFL and NRL Grand Finals to see that the AFL no longer has a stranglehold on our country as the undisputed #1 sport.
Given you have had quite a big role in representing the supporters during that time, I can only presume one of three things:
1) The ideas presented by the Fans Association were not implemented by the AFL management due to them been impractical, and of a low level quality that wouldn't improve the state of the game (which I would find hard to believe given there are enough fans out there to express good quality ideas to the league).
2) The ideas presented by the Fans Association were of a good quality, but the Fans Association was unable to effectively communicate to AFL management and persuade them on implementation.
3) The AFL indeed did implement a large chunk of ideas presented by the Fans Association - in which case that would suggest a greater disconnect between the Fans Association and the supporters.
To that point, given what I believe to be a clear disconnect between the AFL and its supporters, in conjunction with you being a key representative of the fans during this disconnect, how can one possibly trust you to effectively represent our Club's members in such a way that their voices are seriously heard at the Director's table?
Thanks Brett/E.T.Welcome to BigFooty Justin. It is great to have members pushing for more member representation and voice.
My concern now is that with at least two worthwhile candidates like Justin and Brett running the reasonable member vote will be split and Jonas will win.If those are the only two options then we are ****ed. Why bother voting?
Don't forget about Greg.My concern now is that with at least two worthwhile candidates like Justin and Brett running the reasonable member vote will be split and Jonas will win.
If you want people to vote for you, don't use ChatGPT to write your responses. Em dashes, numbered paragraph responses, "This isn't about x, this is about y" structured sentences. Telltale signs everywhere.Hi Chewy316
Thanks for your reply and question.
It’s clear you’ve put real thought into what I may be able to offer the club after investing my time assisting fans and members of all AFL clubs. I want to acknowledge the depth of what you’ve raised so I’ve taken the time to respond in detail as others may be thinking the same things.
I hope the following information answers your question and should give other members an insight into my skills, experience and trustworthiness to help our club if elected.
1. The AFLFA’s role is advocacy — and that includes mobilising media, public pressure, and building toward formal recognition.
The AFL Fans Association is an independent volunteer organisation. We don’t have decision‑making authority, but we do have a responsibility to identify supporter sentiment, articulate it clearly, and advocate for it.
That advocacy extends beyond private conversations. When the AFL makes decisions that fans believe are unfair or poorly considered, the AFLFA has consistently used media coverage, public commentary, and the voices of respected football figures to apply appropriate pressure and context before policies are finalised. This has been an important mechanism for ensuring supporter perspectives are visible and cannot be ignored.
As the AFLFA continues to grow and more fans recognise the benefits of a unified voice, our aim is to be included more formally within governance frameworks — similar to the structured supporter engagement models used in UK football. Of course, this must be adapted to the unique context of the Australian AFL system, and may be voluntary rather than legislatively based, but the principle remains: fans deserve a recognised seat at the table.
2. Fan issues have been consistently identified and communicated — but access to AFL leadership was extremely limited until the past few years
For many years, the AFLFA had almost no formal engagement with AFL House especially in the 2013 to 2018 formative years. Meetings were rare, invitations were minimal, and the organisation was often treated as peripheral despite representing the largest stakeholder group in the game.
The lack of access — not the quality of ideas or communication — is the primary reason many supporter concerns went unaddressed.
With greater support from the media and fans, AFL House has increased its appetite to at least hear the issues, even if they march forward with their plans regardless.
3. Under Andrew Dillon, that dynamic has begun to shift.
Since Andrew Dillon became CEO, the AFLFA has finally been given meaningful airtime. We now have:
It’s early, but a beachhead has been established. For the first time in years, there is a genuine pathway to influence, and we are building on it.
- structured, regular interactions with AFL executives
- opportunities to present supporter research directly
- a more respectful and constructive dialogue
4. Many of our recommendations have been adopted — often without fanfare.
While not always publicised, the AFL has implemented several ideas we’ve advocated for, including improvements in ticketing fairness, transparency around fixturing, and clearer communication during periods of rapid rule change. These changes matter to supporters, even if they don’t make headlines. Refer to our website, media releases and social media for more information.
5. The disconnect you describe is exactly why my experience is valuable — not a reason to doubt it.
The last decade has shown how important it is to have people in governance roles who:
This is precisely the skill set I bring.
- understand supporter sentiment deeply
- know how to communicate it effectively
- can navigate large, centralised sporting bodies
- are willing to challenge respectfully but firmly
- have experience advocating from outside the system and now want to drive change from within it
6. A Port Adelaide director has far greater influence — and we should also reflect on how directors are appointed.
As a member‑elected director, I would have:
But there is also a broader governance question worth asking: Once the board has the right mix of skills, experience, and diversity, is it in the club’s best long‑term interest for all positions to be member‑elected? Or does having eight AFL‑appointed directors provide benefits in stability, expertise, and alignment that need to be weighed carefully? I intend to find out if elected or push for an answer that members can understand all sides to our ongoing operating model and constitution.
- direct access to the club’s executive team
- a formal vote on club strategy
- the ability to shape Port Adelaide’s position on AFL‑wide issues
- a responsibility to ensure member views are represented in board deliberations
This isn’t about diminishing member voice — it’s about ensuring the governance model delivers the strongest possible outcomes for Port Adelaide. I’m committed to having that conversation transparently and respectfully.
7. Why members can trust me to represent them effectively
In short:
- I have a 30+ ‑year background in governance, risk, and finance as a CPA.
- I’ve spent nearly a decade listening to supporters from every club, not just my own.
- I’ve demonstrated independence and integrity — I don’t chase popularity; I pursue good governance.
- I understand how to translate member sentiment into structured, board‑level decision‑making.
- I’m a long‑standing Port Adelaide member who lives the supporter experience every week.
The disconnect between the AFL and its fans is real — and it’s precisely why I’m standing.
My experience gives me the tools, insight, and independence to ensure Port Adelaide members are heard clearly and consistently at the board table. I want our club to lead the league in transparency, engagement, and strong governance, and I believe I can help deliver that.
I am committed, passionate and ready to be part of the team.
Cheers,
Justin Leckie
It does fit the "you'll take our slop and like it" mentality I'd become used to from the club.If you want people to vote for you, don't use ChatGPT to write your responses. Em dashes, numbered paragraph responses, "This isn't about x, this is about y" structured sentences. Telltale signs everywhere.
I did use AI to rewrite my thoughts.If you want people to vote for you, don't use ChatGPT to write your responses. Em dashes, numbered paragraph responses, "This isn't about x, this is about y" structured sentences. Telltale signs everywhere.
Hi BomberOpen questions to both Enviable Tradition and Lecko11 :
How are you going to counter the head start that Tom Jonas has had with your campaigns?
Given his nomination was 'leaked' before Christmas, in the minds of the average member it would seem like he's the default choice. That's a massive advantage you need to overcome.
Secondly, what is your key platform for getting onto the board and why is that better than the [insert ex player here] default option? Why should we be voting for you?
Finally, are there any other nominees that you are aware of? Have they announced their run yet?
Open questions to both Enviable Tradition and Lecko11 :
How are you going to counter the head start that Tom Jonas has had with your campaigns?
Given his nomination was 'leaked' before Christmas, in the minds of the average member it would seem like he's the default choice. That's a massive advantage you need to overcome.
Secondly, what is your key platform for getting onto the board and why is that better than the [insert ex player here] default option? Why should we be voting for you?
Finally, are there any other nominees that you are aware of? Have they announced their run yet?

Any plans to get back onto 5aa to sprook your cause. What's your relationship with Tim Giniver like?1. A past player has the dual advantage of being an ex player and getting a head start. They also have the advantage of being the only ex player so the vote is less likely to get split given what looks like being a significant number of nominees.
I am aiming to counter this with a grass roots campaign. I don't have the profile of an ex player but I do have media contacts given that I have previously written for the Adelaide Magazine, InDaily and the Hills Courier. I have also had a regular guest spot on 5AA for a short time and keep in touch with other media personalities . I will use these contacts as much as I can.
Primarily though I will be looking to connect with members, listen to them, share my platform and let me know that I will be working hard for them of I get elected. I have a history of working for the members and communicating respectfully with our board at AGMs, in person and via email so I think my record in that regards stands for itself and can be trusted.
2. There are a number of strings to my platform including a football first focus and a general theme of accountability.
The biggest difference is that I am at this stage the only candidate that is committed to fighting for a majority member elected board (my preference is 5-4 or 6-3 with the rest of the spots filled with needs based appointments). This may change as the other candidates member letters are released (but I think I am likely to be the only one).
With the 2028 clause in the Crows constitution coming up during this 3 year term this may be our only chance to get out club back before both clubs constitutions are rewritten when the 2028 loan expiry date comes.
3. I am aware of other potential nominees and we were provided with their names. All candidates were given the opportunity to pull out (without their names being released) after they received the full list and some details and it hasn't been confirmed to me who is officially running. I wouldn't want to break that trust nor would I want to disrupt someone else's campaign timing so I will leave it for others to announce their own campaigns.
*AI was not used in the construction of this reply![]()
Any plans to get back onto 5aa to sprook your cause. What's your relationship with Tim Giniver like?
