Port Adelaide have upgraded mature-aged rookie Brett Eddy and youngster Dan Houston to their senior list in time for selection ahead of round one.
The pair are now eligible to face Sydney at the SCG on March 25, after both players had impressive JLT Series' for the Power.
Eddy kicked five goals against Hawthorn last weekend to round off a strong pre-season for the 27-year old, as coach Ken Hinkley has been impressed by his leadership since joining the club.
โItโs hard to not like Brettโs story. Itโs one of persistence, and at every point Iโve spoken to him heโs wanted the opportunity and the chance to prove himself,โ Hinkley told portadelaidefc.com.au.
โHeโs done that all the way through the pre-season to the point that heโs an upgraded rookie and a chance to make his debut in Round 1.
โThereโs footy smarts everywhere with him.
โThe challenges in his game have been around whether heโs got the ability to make it at the highest level, but heโs just a smart player and it shows natural footballers can make it at the top level."
Houston was the other man upgraded for the Power, and after a strong showing in the SANFL last season, Hinkley believes the youngster can make the jump.
โDan shows what can be achieved from a good pre-season,โ Hinkley said.
โHe wouldnโt have given himself much of a chance playing much JLT football this year, let alone AFL, but a change of position to half-back from half-forward late last year has seen him show really rapid growth.
โHis poise and composure down there has stood out, as has his leadership, heโs a kid who leads in what he does.โ
