2024 Trade News & Rumours

Port reportedly puts first-rounder on table in hopes of unlocking off-season: AFL trade news

At least three players are expected to make their way to Alberton in October.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski

Port Adelaide is reportedly shopping its future first-round draft pick in hopes of unlocking what is shaping to be a busy off-season of dealings for the South Australian club.

After Port was dumped from the finals in straight sets fashion by the Brisbane Lions and GWS Giants, the club's focus has shifted to its off-season operation, with an emphasis on a trio of likely deals for imports in October.

The Power will likely welcome wantaway Western Bulldogs ruckman Jordon Sweet, as well as key defenders Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher from Geelong and Essendon respectively.

Further, Port is understood to be intrigued by the prospect of luring contracted Richmond ruckman Ivan Soldo to support the aforementioned Sweet next season.

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While positive for Port Adelaide that Alberton is seen as a destination for multiple players this year, list manager Jason Cripps and Co. still need to come to trade agreements with the Cats, Bombers, and Bulldogs if his team is to land the triplet of off-contract commodities.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 27: Jason Cripps, List Manager for Port Adelaide, speaks to the media during the 2019 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft at AFL House on May 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

While importing the trio isn't likely to come at an overly expensive cost in terms of draft capital, the Power doesn't possess much trading power as things currently stand.

Port presently holds selections 38, 44, 71, and 89 at November's draft, with no first-rounder at its disposal this year after the Power dished it away in 2022 as part of its acquisition of former No. 1 pick Jason Horne-Francis from North Melbourne.

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Therefore, according to AFL Media reporter Cal Twomey on Thursday, Port Adelaide is exploring the possibility of offloading its future first-rounder in exchange for multiple early picks, with those selections subsequently likely to be involved in exchange for their trio of likely imports.

Twomey surfaced the Sydney Swans, who possess picks No. 23 and 31, and Melbourne, which currently holds 25 and 33, as potential trading partners for Cripps and the Power.

With the trade period's October 9 commencement just days away, Port Adelaide's brains trust will be piecing together ways to orchestrate the club's necessary trades.

Published by
Jack Jovanovski