Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan conceded that Adelaide Metro “signalling issues” which stopped all trains from operating about 40 minutes before the start of the June 11 game “let Port Adelaide fans down”.

The issue was rectified about 15 minutes later. The Bulldogs defeated Port by 3 points in the Round 12 match.

“This is a fantastic sign of goodwill from the state government towards our fans,” said Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas.

“Instead of letting the recent signalling failures sit as ‘one of those things,’ they’ve come to the table to help us provide a unique and meaningful celebration on the national stage for our Thursday night game against Hawthorn.”

The Government contribution will allow Port to present its “biggest pre-game experience for 2016” during the AFL’s Multicultural Round on July 7, including “a major cultural dance, dragon boats in the River Torrens, a pre-game citizenship ceremony, a lap of honour with flag bearers, fireworks and LED performers in the Adelaide Oval’s southern plaza”.

Thomas said the gift would “give us the chance to acknowledge the many cultures that participate in our game as part of AFL Multicultural Round”.

“As well as referencing our relationship with China, our pre-game before playing Hawthorn will give us a chance to bring our members into the pre-game entertainment and celebrate their diversity.”

Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan told InDaily: “Both Port Adelaide and the Crows contribute $750,000 a year each toward the $3.3 million cost of free public transport [on game days]”.

“The services on June 11 let Port Adelaide fans down and the club suggested a way that we could make it up to the fans,” he said.

 “We are happy to support this initiative.”