Port Adelaide has finalised its 2025 SANFL list, with former North Melbourne VFL captain Jack Watkins signing on. 

Watkins, who was a supplemental selection period train-on player during pre-season, is a huge boost for the Magpies’ midfield, alongside former Gold Coast and Central District player Jez McLennan, who committed to Port Adelaide back in October. 

Twenty-four-year-old Watkins played 63 games for the Kangaroos and is a back-to-back John Law Medallist, which is awarded to the club’s best and fairest player. 

“Jack is a very hardworking midfielder, and you know he's going to get to as many contests as he can,” Port Adelaide SANFL coach Hamish Hartlett said. 

“He’s a really strong, fit and tough inside mid, who uses the ball well and is very consistent in his performance. We know he will be a really important part of our group this year.” 

Port Adelaide captain Nick Moore returns following an injury-interrupted 2024 season when he was limited to just nine games. 

Moore is in the final stages of rehab after a hip cleanout in the off-season, with Hartlett expecting he will be ready for Round 1. 

“Nick has had a bit of an interrupted pre-season with a hip issue but is tracking well,” Hartlett said. 

“Having his toughness and leadership around the footy is important for us. He's definitely a captain that leads by his actions on field and works incredibly hard, regardless of the state of the game.” 

Nic Couroupis and Shay Linke are both new to the club, with the pair bringing some valuable league football experience. 

Couroupis trained with Richmond during the 2021 pre-season before returning to South Australia, where he played a mix of league and reserves footy for West Adelaide over the past four seasons. 

Mobile forward Linke progressed through state football alongside Jase Burgoyne, and went on to play 14 games at the top level for Central District. 

“Nic and Shay have been great additions to our list,” Hartlett said. 

“Nic is really versatile, and can play in the midfield, wing and across half back. He’s a well-balanced player with strong skills and composure with ball in hand. 

“Shay has huge running capacity and knows how to hit the scoreboard. He was a really talented junior footballer and spent some time playing in the Barossa League last year, but is keen to play some more SANFL football.” 

Returning players in 2025 include utility Jake Weidemann and small forward Hugh Ferrari. 

“It’s great to also welcome back a few guys who we already know fit in well within our system,” Hartlett said. 

“Jake epitomises Port Adelaide and is a super tough, hard-working player, while Hugh is a selfless teammate, who is really diligent in his role. 

“We’re really looking forward to getting the season under way and seeing what we can achieve this year.” 

Port Adelaide signed Oli Francou, Rome Burgoyne and Kyle Marshall earlier in pre-season, with the club embracing the SANFL’s new list guidelines. 

The Magpies will play their first pre-season game on Sunday, March 16 at Alberton Oval against Norwood.  

 *Denotes new player