Five trade targets for every AFL club: Port Adelaide

A key Cat, a pair of former Magpie teammates, a Giant ruckman and an out-of-favour Swan lead our trade targets for the Power.

Josh De Sa

STAFF WRITER | August 11, 2023 - 4:25pm

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Port Adelaide has been a dominant side for the majority of the 2023 season, perhaps only bested by Collingwood.

Ken Hinkley took his team on a 13-game unbeaten run which set the tone for the season. Playing fast footy with stars all over the field, everything looks set for a deep finals run for the Power.

With that being said, there are definitely weaknesses that could be possibly fixed in the 2023 off-season. Defensively, the side is quite undersized and relies heavily on tall defenders Aliir Aliir and Trent McKenzie. With the possible departure of Tom Jonas or Tom Clurey at the end of the season, the need for another key defender is there.

Along with defenders is the need for a ruckman, something the side has been crying out for all year long. With Scott Lycett's inconsistency with battling form and injury, a ruckman would resolve a lot of their problems.

Here are the five players that we believe Port Adelaide should target.

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5. Trey Ruscoe

The Pies defender has only made one appearance in 2023, playing in this year's Anzac Day clash in a win against the Bombers back in Round 6. Despite playing relatively well in the victory, Ruscoe has not managed another game. The Collingwood back six is arguably the strongest aspect of the entire team. Despite being taller than every Pie defender apart from Moore and Murphy, Ruscoe simply can't break into the side.

A fast half-back whilst also being a solid one-on-one defender, Ruscoe could provide a mix of leg speed and defensive craft in the Port Adelaide backline. At 193cm, Ruscoe would be a great medium-sized defender who also knows how to kick a goal when needed. Who knows what sort of defensive talent Ruscoe could produce at AFL level, only time will tell.

Initially drafted as a forward to the Pies, Ruscoe could be used as a swingman of sorts, playing both positions where necessary during a game. The 21-year-old has been an important piece for the Pies in the VFL and could possibly be craving a taste of consistent AFL football.