Eldercare Elanora Lifestyle Coordinator Cheryl Lang said that the club’s visit had a ‘huge impact’ on residents, staff and volunteers.

“Elanora’s Port Adelaide fan base is small but passionate – we have residents, staff members and volunteers who are all ‘diehard’ fans,” said Cheryl.

“There was a lot of excitement in the air and we were singing the club song when players Jack Watts and Jimmy Toumpas walked in – I think they were a little overwhelmed!”

Cheryl said that club rivalries were pushed to the side with some Adelaide Crows fans joining the celebrations to welcome the players to Elanora.

“It was a great show of support for our South Australian AFL teams,” said Cheryl.

“These visits make a very positive difference to residents – football is a big part of their lives and it’s a passion they can continue to follow as much as they have done in the past.

“No request was too much trouble for the players who signed autographs and chatted with residents – it was a fantastic visit and we would welcome Jack and Jimmy back to Elanora any time.”

Elanora resident Wayne Mundy has been a fan of Port Adelaide for as long as he can remember.

“I used to live in Rosewater and would take my dad to Port games every week,” said Wayne.

Wayne, a long-time member of the Port Adelaide Football Club, said he has high hopes for Power’s 2018 season.

“Port have done the right thing this year and kept the right players – they gave some young ones a go and it’s all worked out well,” said Wayne.

“They just need to keep playing like they’re playing and they won’t have a problem getting to the grand final this year.”

Midfielder Jimmy Toumpas said he ‘loved’ the opportunity to visit Elanora.

“We don’t often get the chance to come out to these country communities – it can be more difficult for the people to get to games so it’s really important that we make these trips,” said Jimmy.

“It means a lot to us to meet big fans like Wayne and to see how supportive they are of the club and how much it means to them.

“We tend to get involved in the business of the sport but these visits highlight just how much our fans are impacted when we come to see them.”

Utility player Jack Watts, who transferred to the Port Adelaide Football Club in November 2017, said he continues to be ‘pleasantly surprised’ by the passion of Power fans.

“In these country towns it’s more than just supporting a team, it’s like a lifestyle – so it’s pretty special to meet these fans and put a smile on their faces,” said Jack.

“We play for the supporters and it was clear how much they love football and the team.”

Port Adelaide players and representatives, who visited Elanora as a part of the club’s annual Community Camp, also included Eldercare South Park in Minlaton on their Yorke Peninsula itinerary.

Image: Port Adelaide players Jimmy Toumpas and Jack Watts with Elanora resident Wayne Mundy.