THE Power has started its own ‘J-League’, with Jay Nash and Jay Schulz on their way to the club after the most eventful trade period in AFL history.
The Power ended trade week by adding Schulz from Richmond and Nash from Essendon, while accumulating three picks in the first round of next month’s NAB AFL National Draft – picks 8, 9 and 16.
Schulz, a 193cm key position player who played 71 games and kicked 58 goals with the Tigers, comes to the Power in exchange for second-year small defender Mitch Farmer and Pick 72 in the Draft.
Originally recruited by Richmond from Woodville-West Torrens with Pick 12 in the 2002 National Draft, Schulz, 24, has told portadelaidefc.com.au that he’s delighted to now be a Power player.
“I’m ecstatic to come home and play at a club like Port Adelaide which demands perfection and success,” Schulz said.
“Being a South Australian boy I always kept an eye on how Port Adelaide were going so now I’m really excited to be able to play at the club and try and make an impact myself.
“I already know David Rodan quite well from playing at Richmond and I’m actually very good friends with Jay Nash who is also coming home from Essendon.
“I actually got some phone calls from a few of the boys today which I appreciated a lot and it just shows how professional the club is.”
Nash, 23, also jumped at getting a chance at the Power.
“I’m really excited to be playing for Port Adelaide,” Nash said. “It’s a club that’s played in a grand final two years ago and when you look at how young the list is now along with a good blend of experienced players, I’m very pleased to be coming at such an exciting time for the club.
“Growing up in South Australia I know what a strong club Port Adelaide is, which can sometimes be lost on people in Victoria.
“I’ve got a few mates at the club as well. I went to school with the Westhoff brothers in the Barossa and as a junior I went to Ireland with Steve Salopek so I’m looking forward to catching up with them again but also meeting the other players and forming great relationships.”
Originally from Central District, Nash played 43 games for Essendon, including 21 in 2008 but just two this year. He was selected with Pick 28 in the 2003 National Draft.
Power Football Operations Manager Peter Rohde says the club is delighted to have secured Nash and Schulz, while having three first round draft picks will further set the club up for the future.
“Jay Schulz is 24 and Jay Nash 23. They will add some depth to the young group we are putting in place and I’m sure they’ll be hell bent on making the most of their chance,” Rohde said.
“If you look at our best and fairest, six of the next seven after Warren and Kane were aged 24 or less, including Troy Chaplin, Jacob Surjan, Travis Boak, Robbie Gray, Danyle Pearce and Bobby Carlile.
“We are building a group which can play together for the next five or six years, and we’ll add to that group again on draft day with three more selections in the top 16.”
Farmer, 20, played three games for the Power in his first year with the club (2008) but did not add to that tally this year. He was recruited from the Calder Cannons with Pick 49 in the 2007 National Draft.
Senior List Additions Since 2007
(AFL games played in brackets – at end of Round 22, 2009)
First year players (2009): Mitch Banner, Matthew Broadbent (3), Jason Davenport (10), Glenn Dawson, Hamish Hartlett (11), Jarrad Redden, Jackson Trengove
2009 Rookies: Jesse Laurie, Matthew Martin, Danny Meyer (20), Daniel Stewart, Wade Thompson (2)
Second year players (2008): Matthew Lobbe, Marlon Motlop (5), Matthew Westhoff (6), Mitch Farmer* (3), Nick Salter (7) (*rookie – elevated to senior list prior to 2009 season)
Third year players (2007): Travis Boak (49), Paul Stewart (18), Nathan Krakouer (33), Robbie Gray (35), Justin Westhoff (50).
