Polec-Pittard deal with North Melbourne leaves Port Adelaide with two ‘dirty dozen’ picks
PORT Adelaide recruiting manager Geoff Parker — armed with picks 10 and 11 after trading Jared Polec and Jasper Pittard to North Melbourne — says the top 12 players at this year's AFL national draft are as good a group as he has seen.
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PORT Adelaide recruiting manager Geoff Parker says the top 12 players at this year's AFL national draft are as good a group as he has seen.
Now — after dealing left-footed playmakers Jared Polec and Jasper Pittard to North Melbourne — the Power will be able to get its hands on two of the “dirty dozen’’.
After weeks of wheeling and dealing after wingman Polec accepted a $3.5 million, five-year offer to join the Kangaroos, the clubs on Wednesday signed off on a trade that included North's first-round pick, No. 11 overall.
Port already has its own first-round selection, No. 10.
Highly rated South Australians likely to be available at those picks include powerful midfielders Jackson Hately (Central District), Tom Sparrow (South Adelaide) and SA under-18 championship-winning captain Luke Valente (Norwood).
“The top 12 is a terrific group, as good as I have seen at a draft,’’ Parker said.
The Power would love to get its hands on the three most highly prized Croweaters — key forward Jack Lukosius (Eagles), Izak Rankine (West Adelaide) and Connor Rozee (North Adelaide) — but would likely have to move up the draft order to be in a position to grab one of them.
As part of the deal with the Kangaroos, Port also traded pick 48 this year and gained a future fourth-round selection.
It is understood the later picks were integral to the deal being completed, with North keen to get No. 48 to gather draft points to match any Academy bid on Tarryn Thomas and a father-son bid on Bailey Scott.
In contrast, the Power wanted a later selection in next year’s draft, with father-son prospects Trent Burgoyne (son of Peter) and Mitchell and Jackson Mead (sons of Darren) available to it in 2019.
Port has lost two line-breakers who can split defences open.
Polec, 25, enjoyed a career-season this year, finishing fifth in the club’s best and fairest award.
But he has battled his share of injuries.
Pittard, 27, made the All-Australian squad and finished third in the Power's club champion award in 2016.
He was contracted for two more years but is prone to errors and fell out of favour this year.
Polec played 90 games with Port from 2014-18 after 16 in three years with Brisbane.
Pittard played 126 games for the Power from 2010-18.
“Although it’s disappointing to see Jared go we understand the reasoning behind his decision and wish him all the best for the future,’’ Port football boss Chris Davies said.
“Jasper likewise has made a significant contribution to the club and allowing him to depart with two years remaining on his contract is a decision not taken lightly.
“But we believe it is in the best interests of both Jasper and Port Adelaide moving forward.’’
The Power is currently armed with picks 10, 11, 23, 30, 49 and 84 at this year’s draft.
andrew.capel@news.com.au