Emerging Port Adelaide youngster Ollie Lord is ready to take the reins of sidelined tall Todd Marshall in 2025, with the fringe forward stating "my time is now".
Lord has just 19 career AFL games to his name from his four years in South Australia, managing just half a dozen appearances last year as he battled both injury and form
The Victorian enjoyed a breakout finish to his 2023 campaign with a four-goal game in the qualifying final loss to Brisbane, with Lord keen to get this year off to the needed start after putting in the work over the pre-season.
Marshall's Achilles injury and the retirement of Charlie Dixon have opened a sizeable hole in the Power's front third, with Lord setting his sights on a senior role after maturing and adding size over the summer.
"Off the back of last season I just wanted to come in and get stronger and fitter," he said.
"I feel like I have put on a bit of muscle and I feel like I can hold my weight against some of the bigger bodies Aliir, 'Zerk' and 'Sav' at training. I feel like it'll hold me in good stead being a couple of kilos heavier.
"Our forward line is going to look a little bit different without Charlie and Todd going down for most of the season.
"I think I do stand out with my predictability in the contest and my reliability. We all bring different strengths and (my work at the contest) is mine.
"I want to make this season mine. With Toddy going out I feel like there is a role for me to play and that my time is now. I want to contribute and I feel like I'm ready physically and mentally.
"I know what it takes to play and I'm looking forward to putting my best foot forward to cement myself as an AFL player."
In addition to Lord's likely emergence as a key piece in Ken Hinkley's plans, the Power will also likely see an injection of speed in the form of former Collingwood attacker Joe Richards and first-round draft addition Joe Berry.
Berry has significantly impressed his new teammates since landing at Alberton in November, while Richards and ex-Gold Coast spearhead Jack Lukosius both secured moves to Port Adelaide via the trade period.
Lord has been left stunned by Berry's attitude as a teenager, noting the Wangaratta product among the club's pre-season standouts.
"They've all got a high level of dedication," the 23-year-old said of the club's three leading recruits.
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โ Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) January 29, 2025
"Even Joe Berry. This is his first pre-season but the way he holds himself on and off the field as an 18-year-old (has been surprising).
"Joe and Luko are the exact same. They come from strong football backgrounds at the Gold Coast and Collingwood. It's been a joy to train with them, I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do with the games coming.
"We're lucky to have them at our club."
Port Adelaide will face Adelaide and St Kilda this pre-season before a Round 1 clash against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, March 15.
