Club great Travis Boak to retire after record-breaking career

Port Adelaide games record-holder Travis Boak will retire at season’s end, after an incredible 19-year AFL career.

A former captain of the club, winner of two John Cahill Medals, three All-Australian blazers and runner-up in the Brownlow Medal count in 2020, Boak is one of the greatest to ever wear a Port Adelaide guernsey.

His decision to remain at Alberton after being heavily pursued by rival clubs in 2012 helped transform the club during its darkest days, and the club superstar was named captain in 2013 – a title he held for six seasons.

Travis Boak captained the club from 2013-2018. Image: AFL Photos.

In 2024, Boak became the first Port Adelaide player to record 350 AFL games, and in Round 2 of this year, he surpassed Russell Ebert’s long-standing record for most games played for the club in its entire SANFL/AFL history.

Drafted at pick five alongside great mate Robbie Gray in the 2006 national draft, Boak made his senior debut in Round 12, 2007 and went on to play all 14 possible games for the rest of the season, including the grand final.

One of few players to be universally loved and respected by supporters league-wide, Boak has continued to earn deep admiration throughout his illustrious career.

In 2025, Travis Boak surpassed Russell Ebert’s record for most games played for the club in its entire SANFL/AFL history. Image: Matt Sampson.

“After 19 years at AFL level, it feels like now is the right time to finish my career,” Boak said.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have had the career I’ve had, and at a club I truly love. Being a one-club player is really special to me, and it’s certainly not lost on me how lucky I have been.

“I have played alongside some of the greatest footballers, and people, I could have hoped to meet. From Robbie Gray, to Ollie Wines, Sam Powell-Pepper, to the new generation in Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Jason Horne-Francis, it’s been an incredible ride.

“Thank you to the club, to my family, my teammates and my coaches for the memories over the years. The highs and lows are what makes footy exciting, and those moments are what connect a group in a significant and authentic way.

Travis Boak retires with having played alongside some of the league's greats, including best mate Robbie Gray. Image: AFL Photos.

“More than football, I hope to be remembered as someone who always carried myself in the right way, and gave people my time. A human being first, and an athlete second.

“The Port Adelaide fans are loud, passionate, and supportive. They demand success. And while I haven’t been able to help deliver them an elusive second AFL premiership, I can’t wait to sit back and watch on as this club does that for them.

“I’ll forever be a Port Adelaide person, and I’ll forever be grateful for this part of my life.”

Travis Boak has continued to earn deep admiration throughout his illustrious career, both locally and league-wide. Image: AFL Photos.

While the 37-year-old will be long remembered for his on-field impact, his heart, character and charity involvement has shaped the person he has become.

Boak’s long-time involvement as an ambassador for the Childhood Cancer Association has helped to raise important funds and awareness over many years and resulted in him being awarded the prestigious Jim Stynes award in 2021 for outstanding service to community.

Outgoing senior coach Ken Hinkley, who has mentored Boak for 13 seasons, reflected fondly on Boak’s influence on the club, and on himself.

“When I think about Trav, I don't just see a great player, I see a person and leader who embodies everything Port Adelaide stands for – someone who is selfless, caring, courageous and never satisfied,” Hinkley said.

Ken Hinkley has coached Travis Boak for 13 seasons, serving also as a mentor. Image: AFL Photos.

“He chose to make his stand with Port Adelaide at the end of 2012 when it mattered most and we’ll all be forever grateful for his commitment to our club.

“When I appointed Travis as captain, this football club was emerging from some of our darkest days. What he's built since then – the culture, the connection with his teammates, staff and volunteers and the universal admiration across the competition – that's his true legacy.

"Travis has been the heartbeat of this football club for nineteen seasons. You always knew what you were going to get from Travis. Even into his final season, Travis still continues to push himself and his teammates to be better, right until the very end.

"Coaching Travis has been one of the great privileges of my career. He's taught me as much as I've taught him. Watching him grow from player to captain to a modern-day club legend has been a privilege, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of that journey."

Port Adelaide chief executive Matthew Richardson lauded Boak, the player and the person.

“Travis Boak is a very special player and an even more inspirational person,” Mr Richardson said.

“We farewell a player who has given everything – his heart, body and soul – to this great club for nineteen unforgettable seasons.

“Travis has been an incredible player, and for so long the spiritual leader of our club, especially when we needed him most.

Travis Boak will forever be a Port Adelaide fan favourite, and will go undoubtedly be remembered as a true club legend. Image: AFL Photos.

“He changed the trajectory of our club, and we’ll be forever grateful for his loyalty.

“The pride, heart and genuine love Travis has shown for this club and its people will be one of his true legacies.

“Travis’s passion for helping others, and in particular the charity support for the Childhood Cancer Association shows the depth of his character, care and compassion.

“Travis Boak – the Port Adelaide all-time games record holder – a true legend.”

Travis Boak career achievements

DOB: 01/08/88

Games: 384*

Goals: 214

Draft: #5, 2006 AFL National Draft

Debut: Round 12, 2007 v Essendon at Football Park

AFL Honours

- Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award (2021)

- All-Australian (2013, 2014, 2020)

- Runner-up Brownlow Medal (2020)

- Runner-up AFLPA MVP (2020)

- Runner-up AFLCA Champion Player of the Year (2020)

- All-Australian nominee (2019)

- Peter Badcoe Medal (2014, 2014, 2019)

- Showdown Medal (2013, 2020, 2021)

- Shanghai Medal (2018, 2019)

- International Rules (2014, 2017)

- Rising Star nominee (Round 19, 2007)

Club Honours

- Fos Williams Medal (2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)

- Runner-up Best & Fairest (2013, 2014, 2020, 2021, 2022)

- John McCarthy Award (2019, 2021)

- John Cahill Medal (2011, 2019)

- Captain (2013-18)

- Life Member (2016)

- Gavin Wanganeen Medal (2009)

- Coaches’ Award (2008)

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