ROBBIE and Travis. Cornes and Cornes. We’ve had some pretty good pairings on field over the years, but behind the scenes there’s another duo doing their bit for the club.



Just two of the many volunteers around the club are Dave and Wendy Goodwin, life-long Port supporters who have spent decades helping players prepare for games.



This year Dave celebrates his 50th year at the club, starting in 1965 as a trainer for the juniors, working his way up to the seniors and filling odd jobs along the way.



“I’ve been the property steward for four years now, so I look after the jumpers, shorts, everything the players need for trainings and games,” Dave said.



“I also worked at a gas company for 40 years but when you retire you have to have a hobby, you have to do something and this keeps my mind and body active.”





Dave Goodwin and Alfie Trebilcock, along with other volunteers Shane, Merv, John, Dave and Bob



Dave’s partner in crime is Wendy, a former high school home economics teacher who works in the kitchen making lunches for the boys.



Along with the other kitchen staff, Wendy can be at the club up to three times a week cooking, while also running cooking classes to help the players become familiar with the kitchen.



Former Port Adelaide player and current Player Development Coach Stuart Cochrane is just one player who has benefitted from the Goodwins presence at the club.



“Dave is probably the first bloke you meet at the club,” Cochrane said.



“When I first arrived from Melbourne he was a friendly face shaking hands, just prepared to do anything for you.”



“He knows the club inside out, he’s been through thick and thin and is always a really good support for the playing group.



“Wendy is a huge help to the younger boys when they arrive, teaching them domestic skills and cooking to help support their independence and moving away from home.”



“She spent so long teaching that she knows how to deal with us boys and can hold her own when they get a bit rowdy.”





Wendy Goodwin (left) along with fellow kitchen volunteers Jan and Deb



With so many of the players coming from interstate, Dave and Wendy take on a surrogate grandparent role to ensure the boys feel a connection to their new home.



“Each year they invite all the new players around for dinner, they do that regularly with the younger blokes at the club,” Stuart said.



“It’s almost part of the Port Adelaide induction to go around to the Goodwins for a dinner each year.”



And while Port Adelaide’s clubrooms quieten down around Christmas, the Goodwins keep busy away from Alberton with their annual display of Christmas lights.



For two decades their house has been lit up, the motive behind their Christmas spirit is reflective of their input at the club.



“You don’t do these things for yourself,” Dave said.



“People ask if its hard work and it’s not because we get enjoyment out of seeing other people’s enjoyment.”





Dave and Wendy's Christmas lights at 7 Pape Crs, Netley