Port Adelaide Power

Five trade targets for every AFL team: Port Adelaide Power

A premiership Tiger and a Blues youngster are among the names who could make the Power’s wish list.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Following a busy trade period in 2023, Port Adelaide will be an intriguing watch this off-season regarding how they look to improve their list over the coming months.

The Power brought in defensive pair Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher to strengthen their rearguard, while ruckmen Ivan Soldo and Jordon Sweet have also been relied on this season as the South Australian side looks to break its premiership dry spell under coach Ken Hinkley.

So what area of the club's list will the Power be keen to add come the trade and free agency space?

Forwards, both small and tall, could be of interest, while more midfield depth may also be an avenue for the Power to go down.

We've named five players for Port Adelaide to potentially chase come the off-season...

OTHER TRADE TARGETS: ADELAIDEBRISBANECARLTONCOLLINGWOOD, ESSENDONFREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE, NORTH MELBOURNE

Ben Ainsworth

A player tied to the Power this year as he weighs up his future on the Gold Coast, with Ainsworth yet to recommit to the Suns beyond 2024.

Ainsworth is a restricted free agent, meaning a bid from the Power could be matched by the Suns and force both sides into a trade. It's unlikely Port Adelaide would have to stump up a first-round selection for the former Pick 4 selection, which would aid the Alberton club given their lack of top-end selections for this year's count.

The Gippsland product would likely pick a contending club should he opt to leave Carrara, with the Power needing to show their credentials to lure Ainsworth to South Australia instead of a potential move to Essendon, who are also keen.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Ben Ainsworth of the Suns kicks a goal during the round eight AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Melbourne Demons at Metricon Stadium on May 11, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old won't return to the field again this year following shoulder surgery but remains one of the more valued free agents still on offer to clubs in 2024.

Jack Hayes

It would be a gamble for any club to move for Hayes given his injury-plagued time in the AFL with St Kilda, but the South Australian would come at little cost to any keen suitor.

The Woodville-West Torrens premiership player has played eight games over three seasons with the Saints, having endured knee and foot issues since being picked up as a Supplemental Selection Period acquisition.

The start of his career was filled with excitement, with Hayes booting three goals on debut and having six majors in five games before a season-ending ACL injury.

Jack Hayes during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

The Saints showed their faith in the ruck-forward to have him signed until the end of this season, where he could fetch some interest from the Power given his ability as a supporting ruckman who can be a threat front of centre.

Jye Menzie

(Written prior to re-signing)

While not a Croweater, Menzie was plucked out of the SANFL after a stellar opening half to his 2022 season with South Adelaide.

The 21-year-old has so far featured in 32 games for the Bombers across his two years with the club, with 21 of those appearances coming last year alone.

Menzie finished second for goals at Essendon in 2023, kicking 23 majors while also offering some run and pressure in the forward 50.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Jye Menzie of the Bombers (L) celebrates with Will Setterfield of the Bombers (C) after combining for a goal during the round three AFL match between St Kilda Saints and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 01, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Currently out of favour, unsigned for 2025 and now looking to add a defensive role to his bow, Menzie could be a suitable trade target for the Power as they look to add to their small forwards stocks.

Jack Graham

The Power had high levels of interest in the premiership Tiger two years ago, with Graham evening touring the club's Alberton facilities as he weighed up his future at Punt Road.

Under contract at the time, Graham eventually opted to remain in the yellow and black to see out his deal.

Now eligible as a free agent in 2024, Graham has earned reported interest from West Coast this year, however, any potential move to the Eagles may fall through given the imminent arrival of the club's replacement for Adam Simpson.

Jack Graham during the 2022 AFL Round 19 match between Richmond and Fremantle (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

So would the Power be keen to rekindle their interest in Graham, who would come at no cost to their draft hand? The departure of veteran Travis Boak, which could come as early as this year, may also open opportunities for Graham in Ken Hinkley's side.

Jack Carroll

A name who could make his way across the Nullarbor to Western Australia given his ties west, but would the Power look to show their value to the young Blues midfield-forward?

Carroll is seen as an attainable trade target in 2024, with his future still unclear this late into the season as the Blues look to manage their books.

The 21-year-old has managed a career-high 11 games for the Blues this year but has found it hard to break into a side that is littered with star names in midfield and forward of the ball.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 30: Debutant, Jack Carroll of the Blues in action during the 2022 AFL Round 07 match between the Carlton Blues and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on April 30, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

An attacking role at Port Adelaide could suit both parties, with Carroll showing signs as a viable forward-half threat while being able to support the midfield ranks.

Published by
Mitch Keating