Arguably Port Adelaide’s greatest-ever player, Travis Boak has left Alberton for the first time in his career.
Boak is set to head back to Victoria to join Carlton in a leadership and culture role.
Port Adelaide fans may be shocked by this announcement, and even saddened after having the joy of watching Boak in the black, white and teal for 387 games over 19 years.
But Boak does not owe Port Adelaide any more than he has already given.
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It was in 2012 when Port were well and truly on their knees, coming off a three-win season and Geelong came knocking.
Whilst contrastingly the Cats were fresh off a premiership as they tried their best to lure Boak back home to Victoria and to a powerhouse team.
But Boak refused, staying loyal to the Power and subsequently led the team as captain for the following six seasons.
There is nothing more that Boak could give to Port Adelaide - and he has well and truly earned the right to return back home to Victoria after 19 years in South Australia.
Boak will join Carlton and find some very familiar faces, following on from head coach Michael Voss and general manager Chris Davies who had both left Port in recent years.
It was also reported that Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs chased Boak for a similar role, but ultimately he chose Carlton as per the AFL’s Josh Gabelich.