Five trade targets for EVERY club: Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide came so close in 2020 to winning the flag, stumbling at the penultimate hurdle against the eventual premiers.

This season they're building nicely despite looking a bit suspect at times, and could have what it takes to go all the way.

In saying that, there are still some players that could be added to their ranks to help them take that next step should they fail in 2021.

5 Trade Targets: Adelaide
5 Trade Targets: Brisbane
5 Trade Targets: Carlton
5 Trade Targets: Collingwood
5 Trade Targets: Essendon
5 Trade Targets: Fremantle
5 Trade Targets: Geelong
5 Trade Targets: Gold Coast
5 Trade Targets: GWS
5 Trade Targets: Hawthorn 
5 Trade Targets: Melbourne
5 Trade Targets: North Melbourne

We continue our ‘Five trade targets for every club’ series with Port Adelaide. 

In no particular order, here are five players which the Power recruitment team would do well to target and potentially poach.

Jordan Dawson

The Swans defender has been in solid form for John Longmire's side in season 2021, being part of a rearguard with the likes of Dane Rampe and George Hewett within it's ranks.

Dawson has yet to put pen-to-paper for a contract beyond 2021, and is the subject of interest from a number of clubs, including Port's cross-town rivals Adelaide.

The defender is tall at 6'4", and has put up some nice numbers in 2021. Dawson averages 4.2 spoils, 1.4 intercept marks and 2.4 contested defence one on ones per match which are all elite or above average numbers for an AFL defender.

Another huge advantage that Port have is that he is from South Australia, meaning moving back home could be another carrot they could dangle in front of his face as well as a big salary.

Should they secure him he would slot in nicely alongside Aliir Aliir, Tom Jonas and Darcy Byrne-Jones down back, giving Port Adelaide a really formidable defensive outfit.

George Hewett

Another Swan on this list is the aforementioned George Hewett. The 25-year-old will become a restricted free agent come the end of this year should he not sign on before then.

Although he is not as big as Dawson, Hewett is still a tidy defender in his own right at 187cm. The South Australian-native came second in the club's best-and-fairest in 2019 and will be looking to gain a contract that reflects the role he plays in his side.

At only 25 years old still, he still has his best years ahead of him. Despite a back injury marring his 2020 season, he has been solid down back for John Longmire's side so far in 2021.

Ken Hinkley could definitely tempt him to come home with the right money and his restricted free agency would make things a lot easier for the Power. It would be very wise of their recruitment team to make an approach for Hewett before he is snapped up.

Luke Dunstan

The Saints midfielder has been in superb form for his side since breaking back into the team this season.

Most recently his performance against the Tigers in Round 15 was sensational, booting a goal and racking up 32 touches as he lead his side to a famous victory.

He is putting up some incredible numbers this year, being ranked sixth in the league for tackles per game as well as being ranked third for stoppage clearances per game - huge numbers for a man who was marred by injury in 2020.

What is the most baffling thing however is the fact that he enters free agency at the end of this year and is still not tied down to the Saints beyond 2021.

Port Adelaide could get an industrious, ball-winning midfielder who is willing to do the dirty work and plug holes that will inevitably be left by the ageing Travis Boak.

Throw in the fact he is a South Australian and you'd be hard-pressed to find a reason for Port Adelaide not to make contact with him over a move.

Jack Lukosius

This Gold Coast defender/midfielder would be great for the Power with his versatility being an asset to any side he is a part of.

His main feature is his ability to go by foot and the accuracy with which he can hit passes. The 20-year-old is ranked 18th in kicks per game, with the vast majority of his disposals coming from kicking.

Standing at 195cm tall, his size means he can go down back and play on a big sized forward or drift off the half-back line towards the wing should his team need him to.

AFL trade news: Rivals tipped to court young Suns stars again

Lukosius' ability to take the ball over-head is a key feature of his game too, and he is ranked seventh in the league for marks per game.

The scariest thing is that he is just a mere 20-year-old and was drafted in 2018 at pick #2. Port Adelaide would have to throw in a sizeable offer for him should they want to coax him back home to Adelaide, but it might all be worth it considering the immense talent this young man possesses.

Aaron Francis

The Bombers young defender has had a stunted start to his life at AFL level, not really being able to recapture his form that saw him go pick six in the 2015 draft.

Francis has played ten games in season 2021, with his 2020 campaign being a frustrating one with persistent injury problems marring his year.

Despite this, the defender does have a chance to make up for lost time as he looks to become one of the main men in the Bombers defensive structure.

However, should Ben Rutten see it fit, Francis might be able to make a move back home to South Australia should he be surplus to requirements at The Hanger.

If such events do transpire, then it would be silly of Port not to put their arm up to take the 23-year-old into their ranks, with his size and ability being a handy asset for Ken Hinkley to have in his rearguard.