MIDFIELDER Willem Drew is expecting to get some game time in Port Adelaide’s Friday night pre-season match simulation against the Crows, as he builds towards a full return from a foot injury. 

The reliable hard nut had a minor procedure to correct a plantar fascia issue last month but has resumed full training with a view to building towards Round 1. 

Drew spoke to the Adelaide media following the launch of Port Adelaide’s new program designed to educate students on how to have a positive and safe experience online. 

Designed to leverage the club’s AFL and AFLW stars to deliver important messages on consent, cyberbullying and balanced social media use, Power UP was launched on Monday, aimed at students aged between 15-17. 

As well as the program, Drew discussed his return to training, the Indigenous All-Stars game and his excitement at how the club’s forward line could look in 2025. 

Willem Drew on the new Power UP program: 

“Obviously, it’s a really important issue in society, and something that this club really does well is provide programs to the community. Online safety is probably only going to get more and more important. For us as players, we played a small part in doing a few bits and pieces, but we know the reach that we can get, and it's an important message for everyone.  

“It probably pops up every week to some players, and no doubt it probably affects some players compared to others, but it's a really important issue, and as a club, we're really proud to be involved in this program and really excited to get it going. 

Willem Drew on his pride at the impact of the club’s Community programs: 

“Ever since I got to the club. That's a message from up above about how important it is to give back to our community, and I know how passionate our community team is and for us players to play a small part, it's really important and something that we don't underestimate.”  

Willem Drew on his recent foot injury: 

“The foot's feeling good. Obviously, I had a little plantar fascia release there so was out for a couple of weeks, but I did a full session today, so I’m really excited to get back into training and push into these practice matches and into the year.”  

Willem Drew on the absence of injured backmen Esava Ratugolea and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher: 

“Obviously it's going to be a little bit of a challenge. But I suppose, in the past, we've been able to sort of adapt, and you know, players step up, which is great. I’m not too sure how we're going to look down there at the moment, but it's going to be exciting for people to get the opportunity.  

 Willem Drew on whether Jeremy Finlayson could play in defence in: 

“He can play anywhere. He's been playing in the ruck in preseason as well for a chop out, he’s obviously great down forward, and I suppose if we need him down back, he'd be happy to play there.” 

 Willem Drew on the Indigenous All-Stars game and the performance of Jason Horne-Francis in particular: 

“I watched a little bit of it. Our boys did really well, and obviously it's a great thing for Indigenous players, and what it still represents. (Jason Horne-Francis) is obviously a super talented player, but this year I’ve probably noticed how hard he's working. And yeah, to kick three goals on the weekend, I’m super excited for what he can bring to this team. He had a pretty good year last year. But I think there's probably a little bit of improvement there as well. So hopefully for him and the team, he can improve.” 

Willem Drew on how he sees the forward line shaping up in 2025: 

“Obviously it's going to be a different mix. I suppose for us it's exciting at the same time. With Jack (Lukosius), super skilful, great kick and we've got some small forwards down there as well who've got some really nice class and finish so, yeah, look, it's going to be exciting. Hopefully we can get the ball in there and get it in their hands. 

“Todd being out is a is a disappointing sort of injury, and one that hurts us. But we've got some players down there who are really skilful and really good finishers. We like to play an exciting brand of footy so for us, if we can use the ball by hands a bit more and get our big three, you know Connor (Rozee), Zak (Butters) and Jason (Horne-Francis) the ball, and get them moving, and they can deliver inside 50, yeah, it's gonna be exciting.” 

Willem Drew on the player reaction to the news last week of it being Ken Hinkley’s final season as senior coach of the club: 

“It's a good thing for the club to know what's going to happen in the future. But for us now, Kenny's the coach. We're excited, just like any year, we want to deliver for our fans and for the community. And yeah, nothing changes in that aspect.”