Adelaide CEO Steven Trigg says the decision to hand Port Adelaide the first AFL game at the redeveloped Adelaide Oval reflects the AFL’s equalisation policy.

 “We are really disappointed, particularly for our thousands of long-term ticketed Crows members who have shown great support for the new venue by committing to seats for next season,” Trigg said.

 “We lobbied very hard to own the opening game at Adelaide Oval and we believe that we had a very strong case.”

Trigg said Adelaide’s position had always been that the first AFL event at the new venue should be a Showdown between the two SA clubs, regardless of who hosted it.

“We wanted it though and have given it both barrels for weeks and it got to the point when the AFL told us to back off,” Trigg said.

“We were the first AFL team in South Australia, we have the clear majority of support in this State, so to have the first game for our fans would have been fantastic.

“I suppose the AFL understands that an Adelaide Football Club home game for the opening would have definitely sold out.

“Port’s Showdowns don’t sell-out, so this is a chance for the AFL to maximize the returns with a full house.

“At least quite a few of our Crows supporters will have access to tickets to the first game but it won’t be part of their membership and that’s a real shame.”

The AFL will release the full 2014 program on October 31.