Power players wrap arms around young forward Todd Marshall as he takes first steps back to football

PORT ADELAIDE has no timeline on young forward Todd Marshall’s return to the AFL. After family tragedy, the teenager starts his comeback to competitive football in the SANFL at the weekend.

Todd Marshall at Power training after the loss of his father. Picture SARAH REED AFL 360 Extra: Rnd 10 Preview

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PORT Adelaide’s full playing squad will be at Alberton Oval on Saturday in support of young forward Todd Marshall as he returns to competitive football in the SANFL after family tragedy.

After the death of his father last month — and mother in October — Marshall will end his compassionate leave from Port Adelaide by playing in the SANFL Magpies league side against North Adelaide.

It will be his first game since April 15 when he played in the Power’s loss to Essendon in Melbourne.

But there is no return date nor timeline in planning the 19-year-old’s return to AFL action.

Tom Rockliff celebrates a goal with Sam Powell-Pepper in China last weekend. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

Todd Marshall at Power training after the loss of his father. Picture Sarah Reed

Port Adelaide team leader Tom Rockliff on Friday spoke of the need to put Marshall’s personal needs ahead of football.

“It is the most challenging thing that most people go through, losing a parent — and Todd has had a horrendous six months losing both,” Rockliff said.

“So we just support him as a football club.

“He is in pretty good spirits. Being at a footy club is the best environment for him. We put our arms around him — and support him as best we can.

“It is great to see him out there playing footy. The most-important thing for Todd is his time schedule and we are just here to support him and help him anyway we can.”

Port Adelaide’s 26-man China squad — that beat Gold Coast at Jiangwan Stadium in Shanghai on Saturday — returned to Alberton for training on Friday and will have a major training session on Saturday. The Power has no AFL action this weekend, claiming the bye to ease the strain on the players after the league’s longest road trip.

Port Adelaide @PAFC team leader Tom Rockliff on return from China, his form and Todd Marshall @TheTiserSport #AFL pic.twitter.com/c8bTeAYsEh

— michelangelo rucci (@michelangeloruc) May 25, 2018

Rockliff feels he and his team-mates could have played for AFL premiership points this weekend.

“We’d be fine,” Rockliff said.

“It is a bit of a trek over there (to Shanghai) ... But there are plenty of teams that do it worldwide; international sportsmen, plenty of rugby union teams.

“You are a professional athlete and the expectation would be you get yourself ready to play.

“If we had to come back and play (this weekend), that would be fine. But the AFL has looked after us, giving us the weekend off.

“It is a good chance for us to reset; see where we are at,” added Rockliff as the Power takes to the mid-season break with a 6-3 win-loss count. “We continue to grow as a football club and as a team.”

Port Adelaide will resume in the home-and-away race to September’s top-eight finals in Launceston next Saturday against Hawthorn. Rockliff is charged with the opportunity to play against family — his cousin, 19-year-old Hawks halfback Harry Morrison.

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