Post by Violetta on Jan 16, 2003 11:15:10 GMT 9.5
From the Advertiser...........
FABIAN Francis will resume his much-travelled playing career in 2003 where it initially blossomed, the Port Adelaide Magpies.
Francis, 29, won't play until midway through the year due to reconstructive knee surgery, after he was injured in June playing for South Fremantle in the WAFL.
But that isn't stopping the Magpies from being excited about signing the wingman with 109 AFL games to his name.
"He's a proven premiership player and it's great to have him back," Port chief executive Paul Belton said.
"There is a genuine degree of excitement around the place."
Francis' signing highlights a growing list of names headed to Alberton as the Magpies attempt to rectify their uncharacteristic absence from the 2002 major round.
Tasmanian Justin Plapp (189 cm 83 kg), who played a total of 49 games for Richmond and St Kilda, will line up in the black and white next year.
After spending last season playing for Port Melbourne in the VFL while on Sydney's rookie list, flashy Ricky O'Loughlin, 23, will return.
O'Loughlin and Plapp, coupled with the confirmed arrival of Ross Funcke (Melbourne) will bolster Port's squad with AFL experience.
Former Richmond rookie Matt King (19, 184 cm, 72 kg) will also aim to have an impact with the Magpies this year along with key forward Paul Evans who returns after coaching with Robinvale in country Victoria.
In a further boost, both Bryan Beinke and captain Darryl Poole have been making their presence felt on the training track.
FABIAN Francis will resume his much-travelled playing career in 2003 where it initially blossomed, the Port Adelaide Magpies.
Francis, 29, won't play until midway through the year due to reconstructive knee surgery, after he was injured in June playing for South Fremantle in the WAFL.
But that isn't stopping the Magpies from being excited about signing the wingman with 109 AFL games to his name.
"He's a proven premiership player and it's great to have him back," Port chief executive Paul Belton said.
"There is a genuine degree of excitement around the place."
Francis' signing highlights a growing list of names headed to Alberton as the Magpies attempt to rectify their uncharacteristic absence from the 2002 major round.
Tasmanian Justin Plapp (189 cm 83 kg), who played a total of 49 games for Richmond and St Kilda, will line up in the black and white next year.
After spending last season playing for Port Melbourne in the VFL while on Sydney's rookie list, flashy Ricky O'Loughlin, 23, will return.
O'Loughlin and Plapp, coupled with the confirmed arrival of Ross Funcke (Melbourne) will bolster Port's squad with AFL experience.
Former Richmond rookie Matt King (19, 184 cm, 72 kg) will also aim to have an impact with the Magpies this year along with key forward Paul Evans who returns after coaching with Robinvale in country Victoria.
In a further boost, both Bryan Beinke and captain Darryl Poole have been making their presence felt on the training track.