General Manager of Football Chris Davies says the addition of versatile tall Jeremy Finlayson will add greater depth to the clubs’ forward stocks.
Port Adelaide completed a trade with GWS GIANTS on Wednesday afternoon to secure the 196cm forward for a future third round pick.
Speaking on radio Thursday morning, Davies said that the addition of Finlayson will be a good thing for the club, putting further pressure on spots up forward.
“He certainly helps our depth from a forward line perspective. It’s not very often you’re able to get in a player in who has kicked 40 plus goals at AFL level in a season for what we gave up,” Davies said.
“From that perspective, depth at our club and competition for spots is a good thing.
“Jeremy also has the added ability to go into the ruck and form a role there for us as well.
“If nothing else he goes into a mix of a forward line where we have Charlie (Dixon) who is obviously getting older and a couple younger developing key forwards. I think that Jeremy can come in and certainly provide some real competition for spots up there.”
Davies also discussed the futures of ruck/forward Peter Ladhams and midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper who have both been linked to other clubs during the trade period.
As part of the end of season exit reviews both Ladhams and Powell-Pepper were given the option to explore opportunities that would give them more game time in the positions they are wanting to play, with Davies explaining the conversations as “amicable”.
“Suggesting that someone can explore their options and that someone should are two very different things.” Davies explained.
“Allowing someone to explore doesn’t mean you are pushing them out the door and certainly doesn’t mean you are committed to doing a deal down the track.
“I think it is important to leave your exit interviews with some clarity around the roles that you think players can play.”
If a deal were to be done, Davies said the club will be wanting to get as much out of it as the market allows but admits at the moment he would be surprised if the two were to find new homes.
“Right now, we’re not thinking that either of those players are going to go and that won’t be a bad thing for our club.
“They are both people who we think are going to have a role to play at our club next year.
“For them to leave we would need to be getting something we think is going to be beneficial to the club both in the short and long term.”
