Port Adelaide news: All the latest pre-season news from Alberton Oval
The Power’s first to four year players were scheduled to return for pre-season on Monday, and they were joined by most of Port’s established players, as they look to right the wrongs of 2023.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Nearly all of Port Adelaide’s big guns were at Alberton to kick off pre-season, despite the Power’s younger players only being required to be on the track.
The Power’s first to four year players were scheduled to return for pre-season training on Monday, and they were joined by most of Port’s established players as they look to put their disappointing end to the 2023 campaign behind them.
Headlining the attendees at Alberton were Power stars Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Ollie Wines.
For some of the newest Power players, they quickly realised just how good some of their new star teammates were.
“Zak Butters we had a little game out there and I thought I was out with the ball and Zak has just come through and smashed me and put me on the ground,” new Power small forward Tom Anastasopoulos said.
“His intensity was amazing, his training standards are elite the best I have seen.”
It wasn’t just the Power’s new draftees that were tasting training at Alberton for the first time.
Former Geelong key defender Esava Ratugolea and ex-Western Bulldogs ruckman Jordon Sweet were out on the track.
Ivan Soldo was at the club to pick up some gear after his move from Richmond.
Former Essendon key defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher is still away in Europe.
Key forwards Charlie Dixon and Jeremy Finlayson were at training, while Mitch Georgiades was running and had no strapping on his knee as he continues his recovery from his ACL injury.
New boys will sleep well tonight 😴 pic.twitter.com/vzsUeSVJah
— Port Adelaide FC (@PAFC) November 27, 2023
For the new draftees, dreams came true on Monday.
Ballarat product Lachlan Charleson was already brushing up on his Port Adelaide history.
“It means everything, from a young age it has been the goal to have an opportunity to play AFL footy so with all the sacrifices I have made it means a lot,” he said.
Anastasopoulos already might have one of the best nicknames at the club.
“Everyone calls me Tommy or Tommy A but a couple of boys here have been calling me the Greek Freak,” he said.
“I’m a pressure forward, so I base my game on my pressure and then try and get down to the goals and use my run as much as I can and try and help the team as much as possible whether that is through tackling or anything else.”
Vic Metro’s Will Lorenz will be hoping to take advantage of the Power’s wing depth being hit with the departure of Xavier Duursma to Essendon.
“I’m more of an outside player,” he said.
“I’m a left footer so I like to use the ball by foot. I feel like I’ve got pretty clean hands as well and a decent decision maker.”
West Australian Xavier Walsh, who was picked up in the rookie draft, said he was hoping to impress with his competitiveness.
“I’m competitive, that is probably my biggest asset,” he said.
“Wherever I am on the field I always like to compete and play with that high intensity.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Port Adelaide news: All the latest pre-season news from Alberton Oval
Hill backs Saints for finals return, next gen to fire
St Kilda’s finish to 2024 has given Brad Hill plenty of confidence in their pursuit of finals footy next year. Plus he tells GLENN MCFARLANE the next gen stars impressing this pre-season.
Dees’ resurgence hinges on star duo they forced to stay
They both wanted out, but Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver were held to their contracts. It’s obvious why, as the Dees’ fortunes hinge on their two stars firing. We preview their 2025 here.