AFL 2025: All the latest Port Adelaide news ahead of round 1

It’s not just the defence that will look different with Jeremy Finlayson heading down back, with Josh Carr giving some hints on how the Power will play its ruck situation.

Port Adelaide assistant Josh Carr has poured cold water on the Power going with dual rucks despite Ivan Soldo’s game time in the pre-season match against St Kilda.

The Power used dual rucks on two occasions in 2024 as Jordon Sweet established himself as the No. 1 option for Port throughout the year.

But with Jeremy Finlayson in defence to cover for the injured Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Esava Ratugolea, Soldo had 50 per cent game time in the convincing win over the Saints on Saturday with Sweet going forward when the former Richmond big man rucked.

Soldo hadn’t played a match at the top level since June last year, but Carr said it was unlikely the Power would go with two rucks.

The Power aren’t likely to roll with two ruckmen in round 1. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I would like to think it is pretty settled, I think if you look at the St Kilda game you would probably say that is pretty much the team with guys like a Ryan Burton who missed that game to put his hand up for selection,” he said.

“There is going to be a lot of talk around what that looks like going into Round 1.

“I think it is doubtful going with two rucks. That was one giving Ivan a good hit-out but also looking after Sweety as well.

“But what comes out of that game is that we are really confident moving forward, whoever plays we are confident in the form that they have got.”

While Soldo had a decent role against the Saints, young key forward Ollie Lord did not feature until the second half.

While Charlie Dixon is retired and Todd Marshall out long term with his Achilles injury, with Finlayson a defender for the time being, Carr also hinted the Power would start the season with talls Mitch Georgiades and Jack Lukosius in its forward line.

“There is always lots of conversation around that, in terms of what our best forward line looks like. We feel like we are in a pretty good place at the moment,” he said.

“We have those two talls there right now so that can change but that is where it is at the moment.”

Ivan Soldo featured in the pre-season clash with the Saints. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Ratugolea continued his recovery from surgery on his meniscus, kicking and running at Alberton on Wednesday.

Carr said it was unlikely he would play in Round 1 next week against Collingwood.

“He is probably not Round 1 but Round 2 looks a lot more realistic,” he said.

“We are not going to rush it with Sav … we want to make sure when he needs to go he is ready.”

Last month the Power announced a succession plan in which Carr would take over as senior coach from Ken Hinkley at the end of this season.

So far some of the external commentary has centred around whether players would be confused by having the current and future senior coach in the same building.

Carr said the players were clear on his and Hinkley’s roles this year.

“I guess having a focus on what my job is at the moment, the mids and making sure that they are ready to go for Round 1 I guess that’s where it is at and it is pretty good,” he said.

“It is out there and done and now our focus is on 2025.

“I think the way we work together I think it is really clear what our roles are and our players still fully know that Ken is the boss, he is the coach and that is where it sits.”