Orazio Fantasia celebrates a goal against Fremantle, with the livewire showing his impact in the two pre-season games. Image: AFL Photos.

PORT ADELAIDE small forward Orazio Fantasia is expected to make his AFL return when his side takes on Brisbane in Round 1 this weekend. 

If selected, it would be the first time the 27-year-old dons the black, white and teal since 2021 after missing the whole of last year with injury. 

Now feeling fit, strong and positive, Fantasia is rediscovering the fun in football and is hopeful the adjustments to his preparation will put him in good stead for the year. 

Orazio Fantasia returned from injury in Port Adelaide's pre-season trial matches, reminding supporters of his talent and eye for goal. Image: AFL Photos.

Fantasia on his body 
“It's finally feeling nice after a little while. You know, the last 18 months have been pretty challenging for me personally so to be able to have a full pre-season and to be able to be ready to be in the running for Round 1 is really exciting. 

“I’ve added some new things in my off-season and done a bit more Pilates and a few things that I never did before so I’m feeling really strong in all those little muscles and I’m confident I can get through.” 

Fantasia on his preparation 
“I think it all comes back to the pre-season and the work you do. When I first got to the club, I had a full pre-season and played those eight games early and was feeling really confident and then obviously I got hurt. Since then, it's been a bit of a challenge. I know it's cliché, but I’ve put the work in, done the pre-season which puts me in good stead to be ready to go. 

“A little bit of my training (has changed). I'm one of those guys that just wants to do everything and probably a little bit more, so I’m working with high performance and structuring how my weeks look (training-wise). I don’t have to do everything but I’m just making sure I'm ready for those big sessions.” 

To have a full healthy list early is really, really exciting

- Orazio Fantasia

Fantasia on his challenges last year 
“I was probably drained last year. I’ll be the first one to admit it that I was a pretty average partner and a pretty average son at home. My mum, my sister, my dad and partner were definitely frustrated with me at times just because it was challenging and I was pretty down on myself and just wanted to be out there and play. I feel like after this pre-season, I’ve put all the work in and I just can’t wait to get out there and have fun again.” 

Fantasia on filling Robbie Gray’s spot 
“It's tough to fill Robbie Gray's shoes and I could never say I could do that because he was an unbelievable player for us and for the AFL. He was incredible and someone I looked up to. Me and Junior (Rioli) are different in how we play compared to how Robbie played but we'll try our best, absolutely.” 

Orazio Fantasia and fellow small forward Junior Rioli will try to fill the spot left by outgoing Port Adelaide legend Robbie Gray. Image: AFL Photos.

Fantasia on Round 1 
“As a team, we're so excited. First home opener since 2018 so that's been a long time, so to be able to do that in front of the fans (is exciting) and there's no better test than Brisbane who are a really good opposition. I can't wait. If Kenny (Hinkley) does pick me, my family will be coming down (to watch). It will be awesome. 

“I think it’s the first time in a while (we have had a full healthy list). Last year Charlie (Dixon) was injured, and I was injured and Aliir got injured in Round 1 so we had lots of that sort of stuff early so to have a full healthy list early is really, really exciting.” 

Fantasia on his fresh outlook 
“I feel like a young kid again. I played a lot of footy early and haven’t really in the last three or four years so hopefully that keeps some longevity in my career and I can keep playing until I'm Trav (Boak)’s age and beyond.”