PORT Adelaide is set to take a unique approach to the 2025 AFL Draft, expected to overlook much of the fledgling talent pool in favour of rookie upgrades. Despite that, the next few months mark a fresh start for the Power under new senior coach Josh Carr, after a finals miss to end the Ken Hinkley era.

>> 100+ PROFILES: View the 2025 AFL Draft Guide

2025 RECORD: 13th | 9-14 | 79.8%
2025 PICKS: 49, 69, 74
FUTURE PICKS: ’26 R1, ’26 R2, CAR ’26 R2, ’26 R3, ’26 R4 | ’27 R1, ’27 R2, ’27 R3, ’27 R4
ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Nil.

2025 CROP:
Picks 49, 69, 74

Pick 49 is one all 17 other clubs know is up for grabs. The Power will hope to turn it into a future third round selection, holding a keen eye to the future with top 2026 prospect Dougie Cochrane finally ticked off for Next Generation Academy eligibility.

In any case, Port has already covered a few bases with their trade acquisitions. They bolstered their midfield with Will Brodie on the cheap, added Corey Durdin to their small forward stocks, and nabbed Jacob Wehr to slot in as a runner around the square.

With a turnover of experience among three retirements and six delistings, the Power will instead look to utilise pick 69. Typically it’s hard-running, crafty and quick ground level players who are in the mix for Port, or developing athletic talls – particularly late in the piece.

Perhaps the likes of Zane Peucker and Talor Byrne are among the powerful small mid-forwards who suit Port, or running machines like Jack Dalton and Thomas Burton, who can play a variety of roles. Rory Wright is another who has the right traits as an allrounder.

In the tall department, Northern Territory native Taj Murray would have fit the bill with his raw athleticism and upside. Fellow key forward/ruck Liam Hetherton was hardly sighted this year but is quite powerful and quick, while local bolter Sam Ainsworth also offers rapid growth and versatility.

Many of the aforementioned players – particularly the talls – may even be available to Port as rookie options. Otherwise, the general consensus is that the Power will opt to upgrade Josh Lai, Tom Cochrane, and Harrison Ramm to their senior list to meet draft requirements.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will Port Adelaide make a live selection at the draft?
– Which club will cash in on Port’s tabled selection?
– Will Port change its mind if no suitors come for pick 49?