The Port Adelaide Football Club has been informed by player Ben Jacobs that he intends to nominate for this month’s AFL National Draft.
The 20-year-old came out of contract at the end of the 2012 season when he told the club of his desire to return to his home state of Victoria.
Port Adelaide attempted to fulfil Jacobs’ wishes by negotiating with Melbourne-based clubs during last month’s AFL Trade Period, but was unable to reach an agreement suitable to the Power.
Port Adelaide general manager football Peter Rohde said the club had rejected North Melbourne’s offer of its second round selection (pick no. 38 overall) at the 2012 AFL National Draft in return for Jacobs, who was drafted to Alberton in the first round (pick no. 16 overall) in 2010.
“We were not prepared to let Ben go for a pick that was below his value and one that we were not even going to use,” Rohde said.
“Had North Melbourne been willing to negotiate over their first round no. 15 pick we would have been able to come to an arrangement, but they were adamant that wasn’t on the table.
“Port Adelaide wanted to do the right thing by Ben, but we make no apology for protecting the club’s interest and not allowing it to be cornered.”
After being unable to strike a deal for Jacobs, the Power attempted to convince the young defender to continue his career at Alberton where he played 26 AFL games in his first two seasons.
“Everyone can see by the opportunities Ben was given here that we rate him highly as a footballer,” Rohde said.
“It certainly wasn’t a case of Ben being unhappy at Port Adelaide, but in the end it was more about a calling to be back in Victoria with his family and friends, and where he sees his future.”
Port Adelaide will consider the possibility of selecting Jacobs at the 2012 AFL National Draft on 22 November.
The club has no regrets about its firm negotiating position, despite the prospect of losing a first round recruit without compensation.
“We took a stand for the good of the Port Adelaide Football Club in not letting Ben leave for what would have amounted to nothing anyway because we weren’t going to use the pick on offer,” Rohde said.
“We want to work with players where we can, but it has to be within what we consider interests of the Port Adelaide Football Club, particularly in the long-term.
“We might lose Ben and if we do we hope it works out very well for him, but it won’t always work that way for a player and we’ve stood firm as a club to make our position clear to everyone.”
Port Adelaide has picks 7, 30, 31 and 85, but expects to use only the first three at the AFL National Draft and retain the option of activating one in the Pre-Season Draft.
