Scott Lycett, Port District ready to compete for silverware in Adelaide Footy League season 2024

Port District coach Josh Ramsey believes Scott Lycett can get back to his best in the Adelaide Footy League after knee surgery and has sung the praises of other star recruits as the club prepares to compete for 2024 glory.

Port District coach Josh Ramsey believes his side can compete with the best division one of the Adelaide Footy League has to offer after the club’s 2023 finals disappointment.

The Magpies, who defeated Prince Alfred OC in the 2022 grand final, fell short against Tea Tree Gully in last season’s elimination final but responded by recruiting AFL premiership ruckman Scott Lycett and South Adelaide stars Matt Rose and Joey Haines.

Ramsey said he had been impressed by all three players throughout the pre-season and did not rule Lycett out of a round one debut despite the star utility suffering a minor setback after meniscus surgery.

“The new guys have been super and all settled in really well, the only one who has been in rehab has been Scott after he had a bit of a niggle in his knee but he’s back running now,” he said.

Scott Lycett has his sights set on a round one debut for Port District. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“Haines has been great on the track and Matty has really impressed me with his leadership and contest work.

“Scott is a super human – wherever we need him in training he’ll go and I’ve been able to pick his brain a bit as well.

“He wants to play round one so that’s what we’re working towards but we don’t want to rush him either.”

Lycett will join 2022 premiership ruckman Sam McKay on the field, with Ramsey revealing he plans to rotate both through the ruck and up front.

He believed the former West Coast and Port Adelaide star would have a positive influence on his new teammate.

“We’re super excited for Scott to be on-board and he’s excited to be here and looking forward to playing without expectations as an AFL player,” Ramsey said.

Former South Adelaide star Matt Rose has impressed at Port District in the pre-season. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“He’ll ruck and spend some time forward and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do alongside Sam McKay, who has also had a huge pre-season. They’re going to have a really strong partnership.”

With Lycett, Rose and Haines joining star names like Sam Gray, Tom Gray, Kenny Karpany and Cooper Gaffney at Port District, the club will naturally be a premiership favourite this season.

Ramsey said he did not want to place many expectations on his team but believed it could find success in what would be a competitive division one.

Former South Adelaide utility Joey Haines is set for a big year at his new club. Picture: Tom Huntley

“We haven’t really focused on other teams but we know that you can rattle off any club and give reasons as to why they’ll do well.

“The floor for us is finals but we want to go all the way.

“We’re well in front of where we were at this time last season in terms of player availability and fitness and we’ve had some positive match sims in the last couple weeks so we’re feeling good.

“There’s an expectation on all division one clubs to be as strong as possible. I don’t have a ceiling on the group but if we can have some luck and the boys bring effort, intensity and execution there’s no reason why we can’t play finals and make some noise.”

The club will take on Broadview away from home in round one.