Port Adelaide's indigenous players back in 2009, from left, Peter Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce, Daniel Motlop, Wade Thompson (front), Marlin Motlop, Shaun Burgoyne and Nathan Krakouer. Picture: Ray Titus. ANDREW McLeod on Monday in The Advertiser noted there are AFL clubs that lead the way in changing community attitudes beyond the football field. And there are those who make token gestures on Aboriginal issues. Port Adelaide famously promoted the influence of its indigenous players - Peter and Shaun Burgoyne, Gavin Wanganeen and Byron Pickett - in the 2004 grand final triumph that ended Brisbane's dominance of the AFL premiership. Rather than just give indigenous youth the hope of finding their dreams in football, the Power has committed to doing the same off the field. Port's indigenous program - which encourages Aboriginal youth to stay in school - has broadened so much since its launch in 2008 that it now sets up opportunities in the workplace. It has extended to 360 students in 35 schools, up from the 133 at six schools in 2008. The success of the program in changing lives is such that 90 per cent of students who study in the SA Certificate of Education program and play in the nine-a-side Aboriginal Power Cup complete the course. This significant acceptance by Aboriginal youth has encouraged mining giant Santos to continue financially backing the Aboriginal Power Cup for the next three years. "The Aboriginal Power Cup is a fantastic example of a program that is delivering real results for Aboriginal students in this state," said Santas chief executive David Knox. The value of the program is further highlighted by a student from the Aboriginal Power Cup finding his pathway to the workforce with Santos. Anthony Burgoyne, a relative of the Burgoyne brothers who played for the Power, has graduated from Fremont-Elizabeth City High School to be offered work at Santos. The Aboriginal Power Cup carnival that began at Alberton on Wednesday ends with the final at AAMI Stadium today, as the curtain-raiser to the Port-Geelong AFL game.