{"id":205744,"date":"2025-11-13T12:57:51","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T02:57:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=205744"},"modified":"2025-11-13T14:42:47","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T04:42:47","slug":"2025-afl-draft-preview-port-adelaide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2025\/11\/13\/2025-afl-draft-preview-port-adelaide\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 AFL Draft Preview: Port Adelaide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/strong><\/em>, after a finals miss to end the Ken Hinkley <\/em><\/strong>era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> 100+ PROFILES:<\/strong> View the 2025 AFL Draft Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

2025 CROP:<\/strong>
Picks 49, 69, 74<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a> finally ticked off for Next Generation Academy eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

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<\/strong>, Tom Cochrane<\/strong>, and Harrison Ramm<\/strong> to their senior list to meet draft requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KEY QUESTIONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

– 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mentions<\/span><\/span><\/div>