PORT ADELAIDE will kick off its 2019 SANFL campaign this Friday night against West Adelaide at City Mazda Stadium.

Facing the Bloods in the SANFL season opener, the Magpies will be firing on all cylinders following a strong pre-season and completing their three trial matches undefeated.

Comfortable pre-season wins over South Adelaide and Adelaide, as well as a 6-point victory over reigning premiers North Adelaide have Matthew Lokan’s men ready to get stuck in to games for premiership points.

The Magpies have a sweep of recruits and SANFL contracted players set to make a big splash in 2019, including former Rooster Matthew Appleton, tall forward Dallas Hill, father/sons Adam Mahney and Mitchell Mead and most notedly former Fremantle midfielder Cameron Sutcliffe who will pull on the Number 1 guernsey and captain the side.

The 26-year-old Sutcliffe made a strong start in the black and white, following a dominant midfield display against the Crows last Friday and looks to be the commanding figure required to take over the mantle from retiring long serving captain Steve Summerton.

Aidyn Johnson and Glenelg recruit Tobin Cox look like dangerous goal kicking options for the Magpies, finding the big sticks on plenty of occasions across the trial matches while experienced midfielder Jack Trengove looks set to continue his good form leading into Friday night.

Port will be looking to improve on last season, winning four matches and finishing in ninth position while its Round 1 rivals, Westies, claimed eight victories and finished seventh after the home and away rounds.

Looking to rectify their two defeats to the Bloods last season, Magpies fans will see a familiar face running around in West Adelaide colours with Will Snelling returning to his original club over the offseason following a three-year stint on Port’s AFL list.

The count-down to Round 1 will conclude at 7:20pm as Port Adelaide kick starts its 2019 season under the bright lights of Richmond.