Port Adelaide defender Josh Sinn discusses his injury-impacted years since getting drafted and why 2024 could be his breakout year

In the two years since he was drafted Josh Sinn has managed just four games for Port Adelaide. But after a stellar internal trial he’s confident he’s turned the corner.

NEWS ADV Port training photos XAVIER WALSH 45 AND JOSH SINN 8 Image/Russell Millard Photography

He has only managed four AFL games in two seasons at Alberton, but Josh Sinn says he isn’t feeling any pressure to ensure Port Adelaide’s top-end draft success continues.

But the young gun says the past few injury-hit years had created mental obstacles, which he hopes are now in the past after an impressive performance in the Power’s internal trial.

Sinn was one of the big standouts from the Power’s hitout at Alberton on Friday, impressing off half-back.

The 21-year-old said he hoped it signalled a big 2024 for him after some frustrating seasons.

“Not only just play well but also to get through four quarters, it has been a long time since I was able to do that so it’s a step in the right direction and something I can build on for the rest of the season,” he said.

“It has been really frustrating, in a sense I’ve learnt so much in such a short period of time but even though last year I played 17 (SANFL) games and they weren’t at AFL level, at least getting through some sort of games Ken (Hinkley) has been really big on just playing minutes and I think that is going to show this year and hopefully I can perform better like last weekend.

Port Adelaide youngster Josh Sinn looks set for a big 2024 after several injury-hit seasons. Picture Dean Martin

“My first year was a bit of a struggle coming over, not really knowing anyone over here but the club was really good in that sense of being able to let me go home when I needed to go and mum and dad have been a huge help in that first year and also last year.”

Sinn has battled issues with his groins and then had a hamstring injury that required surgery last year.

He said he had his confidence back, after learning lessons about what work he needs to do outside of the club with pilates especially important.

“Being able to consistently train has helped me,” he said.

“My first year it took a lot out of me, mainly mentally and my confidence.

“This year I have been building that confidence up and I feel like after last Friday it is feeling good and especially with that change of direction stuff.

“I feel like I’m pretty confident that I can really explode now.”

Sinn was selected by the Power with the 12th pick of the 2021 Draft, after Port traded up the order to select him.

His four AFL games are the lowest out of the top 15 in that draft, but Sinn said he hadn’t felt any pressure over his lack of games and continuing Port Adelaide’s success with first-round draft picks.

“Not really, Ken has been really good with me,” he said.

He said he hoped 2024 would go a long way to showing what he can do on the field.

“I think I’m pretty sick of the talk of getting through games. I’m here to perform and play AFL,” he said.

“I think if I can keep putting my best foot forward week-in-week-out I’m sure I can be there.”

Sinn will be looking to build on his strong showing at the internal trial when the Power take on Adelaide in match simulation at Alberton on Friday evening.

Key forward Todd Marshall is set to be a test for the clash against the Crows after he suffered a foot sprain.

Defender Esava Ratugolea hurt his knee in the internal trial but is considered likely to play while Aliir Aliir and Jeremy Finlayson are expected to return after missing the intraclub outing.

Trent McKenzie was back in training on Monday.