Trade HQ: Check out all the big list calls Port Adelaide faces this off-season
Paddy Ryder’s days at Port Adelaide could be coming to an end. But what could the Power expect to get back for him in a trade? Brendon Goddard and Reece Homfray look at where the list sits.
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Paddy Ryder still has a lot to offer at AFL level. But I’m not sure that will be at Port Adelaide.
Even if he is open to staying at the Power, he will be looking at one year deals for the rest of his career.
This off-season might be his last chance to lock down a two or three-year contract, and his departure could ultimately prove a win-win for both Ryder and the Power.
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Not only would Ryder get a new start at another club but Port Adelaide could take the chance to try and bargain for a good draft pick coming back the other way.
Ryder plays a role many clubs are searching for in that second ruckman who can also hold his own as a forward.
If a good side thinks he is the difference between the top eight and the top four, they could be willing to pay a little bit overs in draft compensation.
While Justin Westhoff has also been dropped recently, fuelling potential trade speculation, I see him as less likely to move.
The player I’m undecided about long term is Sam Powell-Pepper, the third of three big names to be sent to the SANFL in recent weeks.
While I don’t believe Port Adelaide would move him on, I do think being dropped is the kick up the backside he might need.
When I watch him play I see a contested bull, who can turn the ball over by foot. My advice to him would be to remember what made him so impressive during his debut year and to maximise those skills. He should be concentrating on dominating on the inside and just doing the basics well with the rest of his game.
The area of Port Adelaide’s list I’m most impressed with is the kids.
It is a big call to trade out players like Chad Wingard and Jared Polec. But they get a huge tick for looking at the holes in their list and fixing them in one swoop, with Ryan Burton, Connor Rozee, Zak Butters and Xavier Duursma all looking like 200 game players.
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THREE POWER PLAYERS RIVAL RECRUITERS ARE WATCHING:
Todd Marshall
Signed a two-year deal to stay at Alberton until the end of 2020 but has only played eight AFL games this season and may be tempted by a move elsewhere. Has been dropped twice this season after just three goals in eight games. Has looked much better at SANFL level but Port has preferred to play Dougal Howard forward and with Charlie Dixon back in the side Marshall is still on the outer. He is still only 20 so hardly panic stations but rivals will be watching with interest.
Paddy Ryder
Reportedly wants a two-year deal, the club’s preferred option is one, and Ryder was dropped for the Round 14 win over Geelong. Port had grand plans to play two rucks and persisted until then in the hope Scott Lycett would get on top in the middle and Ryder would cause havoc forward. Neither really clicked and certainly not consistently. At least he’s overcome his injury concerns so at 31 he still has some footy in him if a rival club needs a ready-made ruckman.
Joey Atley
Was rumoured to be heading to North Melbourne to join his brother last year but stayed at Port Adelaide and so far has played just the one game. Is behind Boak, Rockliff, Wines, Gray and Powell-Pepper and now the likes of Houston and Willem Drew in the engine room. Had 19 touches in Round 9 but that was his only game and at 21 this year it may be time for a change of scenery.
THREE PLAYERS POWER RECRUITERS ARE WATCHING:
Jack Lukosius
Would be foolish not to be watching Lukosius’ movements very closely on the Gold Coast. Yet to put pen to paper on a contract extension at the Suns and Port’s list manager Jason Cripps told Trade Radio last year the club would be happy to try to lure him and Izak Rankine back to SA if possible in coming seasons.
Izak Rankine
Like Lukosius, Rankine would slot in beautifully at Alberton if he’s homesick and wants to return to SA. He did grow up barracking for the Crows and has ties to Eddie Betts which may count for something but Port would be right in the hunt if he wants to come back from Gold Coast.
Aaron Francis
Has played nine games this season and shown glimpses of his potential with clever intercept marking and good foot skills. Essendon would no doubt love him to stay but if he’s considering a homecoming then Port would be mad not to inquire. Along with Bailey Williams at the Western Bulldogs they are two South Australians out of contract at their respective clubs and might just be gettable if they fit a need.
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Landed a big fish when they got West Coast premiership ruckman Scott Lycett and while taking his time to get going, he has turned in some match winning performances such as against Carlton in the wet and Geelong at Adelaide Oval. The Power also got Ryan Burton in the trade with Hawthorn for Chad Wingard which so far is a win and has Sam Mayes sitting there from Brisbane if required in the last two months of the season. That plus improving their draft position to nab Connor Rozee and Zak Butters in the top 15 has made for a bumper return.
