PORT ADELAIDE general manager of football Chris Davies admits he and his list management team were “really happy” upon the conclusion of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period on Wednesday.
The Power landed four players on the final day of trade to fill list gaps identified late in the season – key defenders Brandon Zerk-Thatcher and Esava Ratogulea and rucks Ivan Soldo and Jordon Sweet.
Davies spoke with the Melbourne media just minutes after the conclusion of trade period, summing up his thoughts on the final deals.
Davies on the trade period
“Yeah really happy, we came in having four players having commitment to our club, who wanted to get in very early on. We felt like we were going to be able to achieve it but clearly it took a bit longer than what we had hoped, but really pleased to leave the period with the four players that we went into the trade period trying to actually (secure).”
Davies on the Brandon Zerk-Thatcher trade going down to the wire
“In fairness, both clubs had things that they wanted to achieve from that. In the end, we probably realised that we weren't going to satisfy everything that each other wanted and the three fourth round picks, one this year and two in the future, was what we were able to seal the deal in the end. Clearly, we wanted Brandon to come into our club, we also felt that we had a responsibility to Duurs (Xavier Duursma) to get him where he wanted to go and he leaves our club having done his best and we're appreciative of that but really pleased to end the period with the players we came in wanting.
“We were happy to wait until very late. I know that there was a push for most people to try and get deals done a quick as we can. We didn’t quite feel that same pressure, we came in wanting to achieve what we did. The trade period ended at 7:30 and we got everything done before then which is the entire goal.”
Davies on the Esava Ratugolea deal
“We totally understand that clubs are going to ask for what they want. At the end of the day, it's not necessarily our situation to criticise what another club wants, it’s ending in the right place for both parties and you don't get a deal done unless both parties are comfortable in doing it. We're pleased to get Esava, we're happy with what we gave up across the whole trade period, albeit a year later than maybe what Esava had hoped, but we’ve got no doubt that he'll help us in 2024 and beyond.”
Davies on the club’s ruck stocks
“We're pleased with the rucks that we've got on our list right now, bringing in Ivan (Soldo), bringing in Jordon Sweet, having Dante Visentini who is a young up-and-coming ruck that we’ve got a lot of faith in. I think in fairness, those three are going to be the ones that take us forward. Scooter (Scott Lycett) is still working out whether he wants to play at AFL level. I think right now, it's probably less likely that it's going to be with us but that will work out over probably the next 24 to 48 hours.”
Davies on the state of the current list
“I don’t think your list is ever finalised, we would still be looking at our list and saying maybe we've got to develop some depth across different positions. But there's no doubt that bringing in two rucks and two key backs will fill needs that we had towards the end of this year, which were exposed when the games got big and we do feel like we're going to be better in 2024.”
