Port Adelaide ruckman Jordon Sweet is relishing the competition for the No.1 ruck spot at Alberton after making the move back to his home state of South Australia from the Western Bulldogs this off-season.
Sweet was traded to the Power following his five-year stint at the Kennel, requesting a move back home to be closer to his family after the recent passing of his father, who battled cardiomyopathy.
The 25-year-old is also eyeing greater opportunities at the elite level after playing second fiddle behind All-Australian ruckman Tim English over the past few seasons, with Sweet managing just 11 games since his debut in 2021.
A dominant force in the VFL for Footscray this year, Sweet is keen to translate that form into the AFL with Port Adelaide, but will have some competition at selection before earning his stripes.
The Power also signed Richmond premiership ruckman Ivan Soldo over the off-season, while burgeoning big man Dante Visentini is also pressing his case for the first-string ruck role after getting his first taste of top flight football this year.
The retirement of Scott Lycett has opened up a void in Ken Hinkley's midfield group, with Sweet keen to fill the hole.
RELATED: PORT RECRUIT UNDERGOES SURGERY AFTER TRAINING INJURY
"One of the main reasons to get back was to play a little more AFL footy and I'm going to push myself to try and do that with Dante and Ivan obviously fighting for the number one ruck spot," Sweet told club media.ย
"Then also with the added bonus of coming back to see family, friends and being able to support my family with losing dad a year ago, so it's been a big reason why I've come back here."
Sweet has been left impressed by Visentini, who is entering his third season with the Power after making a trio of appearances in Lycett's absence this year.
Speaking on the 20-year-old and Soldo, Sweet said he's looking forward to the heated competition among the ruck group this pre-season.
"I've been really impressed by Dante so far, he's a true professional. He competes really hard and it will be great to continue to work with him," Sweet added.
"And Ivan obviously he's a really good runner and he's a strong athlete and he's played a lot of AFL games already and won a premiership so he's had great experience in the AFL, so it will be good to bounce off him and learn from him.
"When push comes to shove during pre-season it's going to be good competition."
Port Adelaide are set to face Adelaide and Fremantle at Alberton Oval during the pre-season before their Round 1 meeting with West Coast on Sunday, March 17.
