Matthew Broadbent, Aidyn Johnson cut as Power makes more list changes
A veteran fan favourite and a young gun with fluctuating form are the latest players given the flick at Alberton as Port Adelaide makes room on its AFL list.
Port Adelaide
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Port Adelaide has made two more list changes, surprisingly delisting veteran defender Matthew Broadbent, along with speedy forward Aidyn Johnson.
Once a key member of the Power’s back six, playmaker Broadbent has been cut adrift at age 29 after playing 171 games and kicking 52 goals in 11 seasons after being drafted by SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens at pick 38 in 2008.
He is expected to continue his career with the Eagles in the SANFL.
Broadbent has battled serious foot and ankle injuries in the past three seasons, missing the entire 2018 campaign, and was sidelined for a month this year for mental health reasons.
He played just 25 games, including 10 this year, in the past three years.
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“Matthew has shown remarkable resilience over the past couple of years in fighting back from a number of serious injuries,” Port general manager of football Chris Davies said.
“At his peak, Matthew’s hands were some of the cleanest in the competition and his ability to use the ball by foot was outstanding.
“He’s been a terrific servant of the club but with depth in the defensive area of the ground, we have made the difficult decision to part ways.”
Johnson, 21, played just 11 AFL games and kicked eight goals in four years after being drafted at pick 45 from Victorian under-18 side Bendigo Pioneers.
He was a strong SANFL performer, kicking 42 goals in 47 matches, but missed this year’s SANFL grand final loss to Glenelg through suspension.
“Aidyn has shown signs of what he is capable of throughout his time at the club and at times this has been of a very high standard,” said Davies.
“No doubt he has been frustrated that he couldn’t produce on a more consistent basis but he has worked hard and we wish him all the best for the future.
“Unfortunately this is a tough time of the year where we farewell people who have made considerable contributions.’’
Port has now cut five players, with SANFL club champion Jack Trengove and rookie-listed Cam Hewett and Kai Pudney also delisted since the end of the season.