AFL 2024: Port Adelaide premiership ruckman Dean Brogan says Richmond recruit Ivan Soldo has exceeded expectations

Former Port Adelaide ruckman Dean Brogan reckons Ivan Soldo has been crucial to the Power’s 4-1 start to the season. And Champion Data stats reveal how he has helped improved the side.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Miles Bergman and Ivan Soldo of the Power celebrate a goal during the 2024 AFL Round 05 match between the Port Adelaide Power and the Fremantle Dockers at Adelaide Oval on April 13, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Port Adelaide premiership ruckman Dean Brogan says Ivan Soldo has been a “real find” for the Power as a terrific complement to the club’s star-studded midfield.

Richmond recruit Soldo impressed again in his new colours last Saturday night, outshining in-form Fremantle big man Luke Jackson in Port’s three-point home win.

Brogan, who led the ruck in the Power’s 2004 flag, said the former Tiger had won his battles most weeks and was exceeding expectations.

“I reckon he’s been unbelievable,” Brogan told this masthead.

“Ivan complements their midfield of (Connor) Rozee, (Zak) Butters, (Jason) Horne-Francis, Ollie (Wines) and Drewy (Willem Drew) really well … and gives them a different look to what they’ve had.

“I thought his game on the weekend was sensational – that was his best game for the club.

“Even against one of the greatest all-time ruckman in Max Gawn, Soldo was pretty good against him all night.

“He’s a real find.”

Ivan Soldo and Miles Bergman celebrate a goal last Saturday night. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Soldo was traded to the Power as part of a pick swap in October after playing 57 games for the Tigers, including in their 2019 premiership.

Champion Data statistics show that with the 28-year-old, Port has maintained its No. 1 ranking from 2023 in scores from stoppages while improving in three other areas.

The Power has gone from eighth in the AFL last year to fourth this season in points against from stoppage (31.3 to 25.8), 13th to eighth in midfield contested possessions (-3.9 to +0.2) and sixth to fourth in clearances (+1.8 to +4).

Soldo follows in the footsteps of Scott Lycett (ex-West Coast) and Paddy Ryder (Essendon) as lead ruckman to be traded to Port over the past decade.

Lycett retired at the end of last season after 71 games for Port from 2019-23.

Ryder featured 73 times for the club from 2015-19, earning All-Australian and best-and-fairest honours in 2017.

Dean Brogan during his Port Adelaide playing days.

Brogan said while Lycett was a bash-and-crash workhorse and Ryder was a great tap ruckman, Soldo was giving Port a bit of everything.

“Unfortunately for Scotty, his knee was gone for most of last year,” he said.

“He had some really good games against quality ruckmen and he got everything out of himself.

“Ivan’s one-wood is he’s got a massive motor.

“You probably didn’t see that as much at Richmond because he was rucking with (Toby) Nankervis.

“You actually admire how hard he works.

“He goes forward, he’s back in the hole, he’s in the middle, he’s hunting the footy, he’s tackling.

“I didn’t think he would be this good so early, the key is can he keep playing like this?

“If he can keep this form up, they’re going to have a pretty good year in the midfield.”

Ivan Soldo during Richmond’s 2019 grand final win. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Soldo’s next challenge is facing reigning premier Collingwood and its dual ruckmen Darcy Cameron and Mason Cox at the MCG on Saturday.

Brogan expected Soldo to embrace the occasion as the Power sought to move to a 5-1 win-loss record.

“Ivan has been at Richmond through that (premiership) era so he’s been in big games and knows what’s required,” said Brogan, who played 174 games for Port from 2001-2011.

“I walked past him at the club the other day and gave him a pat on the back, and said ‘I love what you’re doing’.”

Soldo talked down his early influence, saying as long as coach Ken Hinkley was happy “it’s a tick for me”.

Originally published as AFL 2024: Port Adelaide premiership ruckman Dean Brogan says Richmond recruit Ivan Soldo has exceeded expectations