AFL round 1: Joe Berry, Joe Richards set to debut for Power against Magpies

The Power forward line is set to look very different in their first game of 2025 against Collingwood, headlined by the addition of a top draftee and a new recruit.

Port Adelaide draftee Joe Berry is continuing to firm for a round 1 debut for the Power against Collingwood.

The 15th pick of the 2024 draft has had a strong pre-season at Alberton and continued it in the Power’s internal trial on Friday – evening spending some time around the ball to show that he could be more than a small forward.

Port’s SANFL and development coach Hamish Hartlett said Berry was set to get a taste of AFL action early on this season.

Joe Berry looks set to debut against the Magpies. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“There has been no secrets that we rate Joey really highly around the footy club, Kenny (Ken Hinkley) is a big fan of him and he hasn’t done much wrong this pre-season,” he said.

“He has great attributes to come in and play a role for us pretty early on this season so I think he will be there or thereabouts at selection for sure.”

Berry is set to be a part of a new-look Power forward line against Collingwood after the retirement of Charlie Dixon and Todd Marshall’s long-term injury.

The smaller forward line will also boast former Magpie Joe Richards, who continues to win plaudits at Alberton.

“He is a very exciting player,” Hartlett said.

“Physically he has great attributes, he can run all day, he is very fast, he is agile, he is a great thinker with the footy and he is a little bit older so he has a mature head on his shoulder and he makes the right decisions.

“He is going to add a different look for us this year.”

Joe Richards looms as another debutant. Picture: Sarah Reed/Getty Images

Down the other end of the ground Jeremy Finlayson is set to start the year in defence.

Esava Ratugolea could be back in full training this week but Round 1 might come too soon for the former Geelong player, while Ryan Burton should be available for selection despite also not taking part in the internal trial.

Hartlett said Finlayson in defence was exciting.

“He has only spent two or three weeks there so he is raw in that role but he has delved into it headfirst and he is spending plenty of time with Goldy (Tyson Goldsack) and he understands there are some things that he can continue to tidy up,” he said.

“But the way he marks and kicks the footy for a big man is exceptional so it is an exciting proposition for us.

“Esava did plenty of running and ticked off what he needed to do with his rehab stuff.

“I think he is going to join in some training and we will wait and see where things land at the back-end of the week.
“I have been told Burto is going to be available for Round 1, we need to get the right training loads there.”

Kane Farrell impressed in the internal trial and is set for more responsibility in the Power’s defence in the wake of Dan Houston’s move to Collingwood.

Hartlett said Farrell had improved significantly as a defender, but shouldn’t be expected to outright replace Houston.

“He has spent only the last 12 to 18 months down back and he is still refining the little details in his game that can elevate him from a good to really good player,” he said.

“He has some great attributes, his kicking is exceptional and I really like the way he has actually developed into a good defending defender rather than just a ball distributor off half back he is actually winning some battles one-on-one now.

“Dan’s role was quite a unique one for Dan so the other guys will just play their footy the way they have been and guys will naturally improve.”

Originally published as AFL round 1: Joe Berry, Joe Richards set to debut for Power against Magpies