AFL pre-season intel: The January verdict on every new face at the Crows and Power
It was a big off-season for both South Australian clubs. But a few months on, which new faces have really made their mark? Get the intel and verdict on every draftee and recruit.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
It was a busy off-season for Adelaide and Port Adelaide but who will be making their club debut come Round 1?
With the AFL season rapidly approaching, the Crows and Power’s Round 1 sides are beginning to take shape with internal trials and pre-season matches to come across the next month.
Here’s how the new players are faring so far in pre-season and whether they will be lining up come Round 1, injury permitting of course.
ADELAIDE
Isaac Cumming
Suffered a hamstring injury that kept him out of full training for six weeks but returned this week. Could be in line for some time on the wing in addition to stints as a defender with the Crows well stocked for half-backs.
VERDICT: In for Round 1
Alex Neal-Bullen
Seriously impressing for the Crows on the track, quickly establishing himself as the best runner at the club and seems destined to be added to Adelaide’s leadership group. Will play a half-forward role for Matthew Nicks’ side this year with maybe some time in the midfield.
VERDICT: In for Round 1
James Peatling
Arguably the recruit Crows fans were the most excited about giving his upside and Peatling has shown this on plenty of occasions in pre-season. Looks set to spend time between the midfield and forward lines, with maybe some stints on the wing as well.
VERDICT: In for Round 1
Sid Draper
The Crows are still easing the No. 4 pick in a way but he has shown plenty to get Adelaide fans excited about the club’s prized draftee. Has been in the B’s midfield recently during match sim but is well and truly in the mix for Round 1 – especially if he plays well in the intraclub and pre-season games.
VERDICT: In the mix for Round 1
Tyler Welsh
Always looming as a project for the Crows, the father-son prospect has been working on building his aerobic base this pre-season.
VERDICT: Don’t expect to see him at AFL level this year
PORT ADELAIDE
Jack Lukosius
The Power’s big recruit has arguably become even more important to Ken Hinkley given Todd Marshall’s potential season-ending Achilles injury. So far the former Gold Coast Sun has looked impressive in pre-season but translating his talent to proper games will be key – as it has been in his career so far.
VERDICT: In for Round 1
Joe Richards
The former Collingwood player is set to form a key part of the Power’s smaller forward line in 2025. Has had an almost no fuss approach this pre-season and is well and truly in favour at Alberton.
VERDICT: In for Round 1
Rory Atkins
Was flying early on in pre-season, especially with his running, but has had to manage a sore toe for the last couple of weeks. Should be back in full training soon and has been training as a defender.
VERDICT: Will likely need injuries to get into the side
Joe Berry
The first round draftee is racing towards a Round 1 debut with a seriously impressive pre-season. Hinkley has shown he loves to blood a youngster and Berry is increasingly looking like locking in a spot for the Power’s season opener against Collingwood.
VERDICT: All but in for Round 1
Jack Whitlock
The key forward has had some good moments in pre-season, holding his own against bigger bodies with his forward 50 and contested marking impressing in particular. But he does need to put on some size.
VERDICT: Would be a surprise if he plays AFL this year
Christian Moraes
Has bags of natural ability and showed this early on in pre-season but will need to learn the structures and tactics required at the Power. Has shown some good glimpses.
VERDICT: Would be a surprise if he plays AFL this year
Tom Cochrane
Was coming back from an injury so started from a little bit behind. But is back in full training.
VERDICT: SANFL this year
Benny Barrett
Has come to Alberton as a NGA prospect and looks likely to be a project player for the Power this year.
VERDICT: SANFL this year
Jacob Moss
Another project player but has developed a bit quicker than expected. Has been good in one-on-ones as a key defender at Alberton this pre-season in particular.
VERDICT: SANFL this year
More Coverage
Originally published as AFL pre-season intel: The January verdict on every new face at the Crows and Power
‘Cue outrage’: Danger calls for drastic change
The AFL is about commence to its most lucrative broadcasting deal ever and one of the game’s superstars has demanded a change.
Where ex-AFL players will feature in 2025
After their time at the top level came to an end, ex-AFL footballers across the country have found their new clubs. See where every delisted player and retired star will play in 2025.