PORT Adelaide entered land of the giants during this year’s National AFL Draft, selecting developable tall talent for each line before nabbing a Next Generation Academy (NGA) graduate for its rookie list. We recap the Power’s efforts and analyse what each player could offer to their new club.

NATIONAL DRAFT

#36 Tom McCallum (Tall Defender, Clarence/Tasmania Devils/Tasmania)
#53 Tom Scully (Key Forward, West Adelaide/South Australia)
#59 Kyle Marshall (Key Defender, South Adelaide/South Australia)

ROOKIE DRAFT

NGA – Nathan Barkla (Defender/Midfielder, WWT Eagles/South Australia)
#8 Dylan Williams (re-listed)

Port Adelaide’s list management team essentially had night one off, before getting to work on the Power’s three selections on night two, and two in Wednesday’s rookie intake. Pick 36 was their first point of call, and it yielded a rising Tasmanian prospect who promises to provide great versatility and athletic upside.

Namely, Tom McCallum was the Power’s man. He produced a strong top-age campaign for the Devils and Allies, cementing his spot in both backlines having previously turned out as a forward. At 193cm, he is just below true key position height but can provide a chop-out with his aerial ability, before setting off at great speed on his typical line-breaking runs.

The Power then had two picks in the 50s to work with, and looked local for two more talls. The first was Tom Scully, one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class. He burst onto the scene with 37 goals in his first seven SANFL Under 18 outings, but having come from a soccer background and with a lean frame, he was challenged by better opposition and slid down draft boards.

Completing the long-term key position coverage was South Adelaide defender Kyle Marshall. Another super athlete with nice attributes to enhance over time, the 198cm backman fills a need for the Power. Fellow SANFL Under 18s product Nathan Barkla was a free hit through Category B listing, and Port rounded out its selections by re-listing young forward Dylan Williams.