WITH the 2021 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 (November 24/25), clubs have had the opportunity to exchange picks with the final order formed just over a week out. While the chaos settles, Rookie Me Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake with the hand they formed at the close of trade period.

Next under the microscope is Port Adelaide, a club which has fared extremely well with its first round selections in recent years, and wield another in 2021.

CURRENT PICKS: 12, 62, 72, 73, 85

2022 PICKS: PTA Round 1, PTA Round 2, SYD Round 3, PTA Round 4

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES:

Jase Burgoyne (F/S)

LIST NEEDS:

+ Midfield speed/class
+ Medium-small forward/defender

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 12)

Set to fall to 14 by the time early bids roll in, Port Adelaide again boasts a first round selection in a range where it has found great success. With a touch of midfield regeneration in mind, there are plenty of options to consider and some top 10 sliders sure to be snapped up by Port’s shrewd recruiting team.

There is some serious local talent on offer and they should be well in the frame to land at Alberton. While he does not necessarily suit a need, flying Glenelg wingman Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is all class and may be too good to pass up should he slide past the clutches of Essendon and West Coast.

Arlo Draper is right in the mix too, a dynamic midfielder-forward from South Adelaide who tasted senior footy in 2021. A shoulder injury may hamper his first AFL preseason, but the classy prospect suits Port’s style and promises to help the likes of Connor Rozee and Zak Butters play more permanently in midfield, as he develops up forward.

Much like Wanganeen-Milera, Josh Goater could enter the frame if Essendon opts against him. The Calder Cannons product could be a Miles Bergman-type selection, with his versatility, size and athleticism making him a developable player who can fit across a range of positions early on. His scope to play midfield is handy, too.

Subiaco pair Matthew Johnson and Neil Erasmus will be right in the hitting zones of Fremantle and West Coast, but both are tall midfielders of interest if available. Elsewhere, Darcy Wilmot could inject some dash and dare in defence, while Josh Sinn has similar pace with potential to become a damaging midfielder.

REMAINING CROP:

Set to end up with two or three live selections in this year’s national intake, Port will also hope a club-tied talent slides through without a bid. Father-son nominee Jase Burgoyne is said player, a skinny but classy utility with smooth agility and clean skills who would likely feature in the 40+ range in the open draft. The Power’s remaining hand (currently picks 62, 72, 73) yields enough points to match a bid around the 60-mark.

With Sam Skinner already through the door, Port may not look to bolster its key position stocks, but landing one with high upside late in the piece is never a bad shout. Raw Glenelg defender Oscar Adams may be one such player, but there are plenty more around-the-square options up for grabs.

North Adelaide trio Hugh Jackson, Harvey Harrison, and James Willis could be of interest, all offering unique points of difference. Jackson is a proven accumulator with a good turn of speed and clean skills, Harrison has an even athletic profile and can roll forward, while Willis is an explosive type whose ceiling is quite high.

Outside of home base, underrated Victorians such as Lachlan Rankin and Charlie Molan may enter the fold. Both can play multiple positions and while not overly flashy, are quite clever and hard-working. With speed a consideration, Hugh Stagg and Ronald Fejo Jnr could be others within reach.

Of course, with a pick in every round of the 2022 draft, Port Adelaide may also be tempted to trade back into this year’s intake and move up the order to grab some value among the second and third rounds.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Is local talent in the frame at pick 12?
> Will Port Adelaide look for a late bargain or trade into earlier rounds?
> Could Jase Burgoyne slide through to the Rookie Draft?