Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier to train with Port Adelaide after being overlooked in the AFL Draft

The race for the final two lists spots at Port Adelaide is heating up with a powerful midfielder, who was one of the draft’s hard-luck stories, getting a chance to make his case.

Overlooked draft prospect Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier is the fourth player hunting for a list spot at Port Adelaide after a successful medical last week.

The North Adelaide product was one of the hard-luck stories of the 2025 draft with a handful of clubs, including the Power, considering him late in the piece.

Oudshoorn-Bennier completed a medical with Port Adelaide on Friday morning and began training with the Power on Monday.

He is vying for one of the two open rookie spots at the Power, along with his SA teammate Balynn O’Brien, former Magpie and Roo Jaidyn Stephenson, and 21-year-old East Fremantle small forward Mitchell Zadow.

Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier is training with the Power. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

Oudshoorn-Bennier had an eye-catching season while playing through a tear in his shoulder socket, opting against surgery that would have sidelined him for the national championships.

A powerful 181 centimetre mid-forward with a penetrating kick, Oudshoorn-Bennier impressed under duress for South Australia throughout their championship-winning campaign.

He went on to shine at SANFL reserves level for North Adelaide, where he averaged 25 disposals and five clearances across six matches, and broke through for two league games for the Roosters in round 18 and 19.

Stephenson announced his shock retirement at the end of 2024 after 122 games but reignited his passion for the game captaining his junior club Ferntree Gully in the Eastern league this year.

Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee noted last week that he had made a promising first impression.

Originally published as Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier to train with Port Adelaide after being overlooked in the AFL Draft