Port Adelaide has officially nominated Jackson Mead as a father-son selection ahead of November’s AFL Draft

Jackson Mead’s dream of following in his father Darren’s footsteps to Port Adelaide is one step closer to reality after the Power officially submitted the father-son paperwork on Thursday

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Jackson Mead’s dream of playing for Port Adelaide is one step closer after the club officially nominated the 18-year-old as a father-son selection as per the AFL’s deadline.

It does not guarantee the Power, who confirmed the paperwork had been lodged on Thursday, will take Mead in November’s draft but it means they now have first-choice on the smart and skilful midfielder, giving itself the option of matching any bid for him.

Port Adelaide's father/son academy training in 2018. George Fiacchi with son Zane, Gavin Wanganeen and son Tex, Peter Burgoynewith sons Trent, Jase and Rome, Director Stuart Cochrane, Darren Mead with sons Jackson and Mitch. Picture: DYLAN COKER.

That bid is likely to come in the second-round and the Power would be hoping it comes after its third live selection at No. 29.

If it does, under AFL rules – each draft selection is assigned a points value – Port Adelaide will be able to match the rival club using a number of its later picks.

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Port currently has selections 12, 18, 29, 66, 67, 68, 71 and 86.

Mead – the son of inaugural club champion Darren – wins the ball on the inside and the outside, but it’s an ability above his head which sets him apart.

“He marks it really well overhead for his size, he catches opposition off-guard sometimes,” SANFL talent manager Brenton Phillips told The Lowdown AFL Draft podcast.

The All-Australian under-18, who is strong and clean at the contest and sure with the football in-hand, played two senior games for the Eagles in the SANFL in 2019, after tallying 21 disposals and four goals to be judged best afield in the under-18 grand final last year.

Mead grew up supporting Port Adelaide and, while his desire to get to Alberton is strong, he just wants his shot at the top level.

Jackson Mead, left, celebrates with Dylan Stephens at the 2019 under-18 championships. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos.

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“Dad has that connection with Port so it would be nice to follow in his footsteps but if I end up at another club I’ll still be stoked because I just want to play AFL, it’s something I’ve worked hard towards for a long time,’’ Mead said.