WITH the 2020 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (December 9), clubs will have the opportunity to exchange picks until the final order is formed a couple of days out. While the chaos ensues, Draft Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake opportunities with the hand they formed at the close of trade period. Obviously they are still subject to heavy change, so perhaps we can predict some of that movement here.

Next under the microscope is Port Adelaide, this year’s minor premier and a side which has very few glaring list needs. The Power fared notoriously well in the first round of the last two drafts, establishing its future with the likes of Zak Butters, Connor Rozee, Xavier Duursma, and Mitch Georgiades at the pointy end. Given the team’s soaring success, its 2020 intake looms as a slightly different one to the aforementioned efforts. Next Generation Academy (NGA) product Lachlan Jones will inevitably be the Port’s first pick with a matched bid, leaving only late selections and a potential match for Taj Schofield as the only plays left.

>> Power Rankings: November Update

CURRENT PICKS*: 35, 47, 57, 59, 73, 95

2021 PICKS*: PTA Round 1 | PTA Round 2

* – denotes as of December 1

>> Podcast: The current best AFL Draft hands

LIKELY ACADEMY/FATHER-SON PICKS:

Lachlan Jones (NGA), Taj Schofield (father-son)

>> Podcast: The best academy/father-son hauls

LIST NEEDS:

Classy/efficient midfielder

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 35)

You can essentially ignore the Pick 35 figure here as Port’s first selection will inevitably be bumped up into the first round, where academy product Lachlan Jones is expected to yield a bid. Even with future selections added to the equation, it is highly unlikely that Port would or could move up far enough to get another player in before Jones. Any bid before Pick 12 would wipe out Port’s next four selections (35, 47, 57, 59) upon matching, leaving a pick in the 60s or 70s to work with. The Power would then be sweating on whether a club is interested in father-son hopeful Taj Schofield, who may have suitors within the National Draft. That would force Port to decide whether to match and most likely leave with just those two players, or pass and take another prospect they may have their eye on in the latter stages.

LIVE TRADE OPTIONS:

There is not too much Port may look to do in terms of live trading, but the Power’s first and second rounders for 2021 are banked as it stands. That second rounder could be used to secure another pick in this year’s intake and aid the matched Jones bid, potentially giving Port the option to take both Schofield and another player within the National Draft. Down the line, Port may look to get busy should a bid for Schofield come in, splitting or packaging their very late picks.

THE KEY QUESTIONS:

Will a bid for Lachlan Jones come within the top 10?

Will Taj Schofield slip through to the Rookie Draft?

Will Port Adelaide look to take three players in the National Draft?

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Featured Image: Port NGA hopeful Lachlan Jones gets a kick away for WWT | Credit: Cory Sutton/SANFL