Port Adelaide’s big salary cap buffer ensured Power gained Scott Lycett by free agency, and gives Hinkley’s game plan new edge
PORT Adelaide put off a messy trade for West Coast premiership ruckman Scott Lycett by leaving Eagles with no room to ward off free agency play.
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PORT Adelaide’s decision to not get caught in a bidding war for wingman Jared Polec paved the way to score West Coast premiership ruckman Scott Lycett — for free.
The Eagles on Tuesday morning resisted forcing Lycett into a trade for Port Adelaide players or draft picks by not matching the Power’s five-year, $3 million offer to the restricted free agent.
Port Adelaide, ranked second of 18 for salary cap space, now has the experienced ruckman to support Patrick Ryder in a new-look tandem at Alberton — and cover Ryder should the All-Australian again be troubled by injury.
The Power’s reluctance to engage in a salary fight with North Melbourne — that has gained Polec’s commitment on a five-year, $3.5 million contract — allowed Port Adelaide to engineer a fail-safe free-agency move on Lycett.
Currently on holidays overseas savouring West Coast’s recent grand final triumph against Collingwood, Lycett admits it was tough to walk away from his premiership team-mates to return to his home at Port Adelaide.
Lycett, a second-round draftee (No. 29) in 2010 from the Port Adelaide Magpies, is just the 21st player to change clubs immediately after a VFL-AFL premiership triumph.
“I had eight great seasons with the Eagles and won a premiership (in 75 AFL games); the club has been fantastic to me and my family,” Lycett said.
“I can’t thank West Coast enough for making me a better player and person.
“But I am excited to be coming home to South Australia and to the club that I supported since my childhood.
“I can’t wait to get back to Adelaide and want to help the Power achieve some success.”
Port Adelaide football boss Chris Davies notes Lycett’s move to Alberton will prompt a change in the Power’s game plan that has relief on one recognised ruckman (Ryder) and a pinch-hitter (Justin Westhoff and previously Jackson Trengove, now at the Western Bulldogs).
The Ryder-Lycett tandem could be more powerful if the AFL Commission this month adopts the 6-6-6 starting format that will favour a leaping ruckman such as Ryder and open opportunity in an open forward-50 for Lycett.
“Clearly having Lycett and Ryder is going to provide us with two, high-quality ruckmen, and they’re both guys who can play forward as well,” Davies said.
“I imagine that they will mix and match in the ruck and also play forward.”
Lycett returns to Port Adelaide on the Power’s second attempt to sign him — and after passing up a significant free-agency offer from St Kilda.
“We had a crack at him a few years ago, but Scott decided to re-sign at West Coast at the time,” Davies said.
“We would’ve liked to have brought a ruckman in last year; timing wasn’t to be and we’re pleased Scott will be with our club for next year.
“When Paddy wasn’t up and about (this) year, we tended to struggle. So we think we’ve addressed that need.”
michelangelo.rucci@news.com.au