PORT ADELAIDE will welcome four new players into its ranks for the 2017 season.
In a haul that saw a key forward likened to current Power swingman Justin Westhoff and three medium midfielder injected into its talent stocks, the Power will enter 2017 with a number of versatile young options.
Todd Marshall (Pick 16), Sam Powell-Pepper (Pick 18), Joe Atley (Pick 32) and Willem Drew (Pick 33) were the four eastern states recruits who will arrive at Alberton within the week to commence their first AFL pre-season under Ken Hinkley.
Port Adelaide's national recruiting manager Geoff Parker believes the Power has recruited for long-term prosperity by bolstering its midfield and adding a new key forward into its stocks.
"Losing Jay Schulz and John Butcher left a spot for another tall forward in Marshall," Parker told portadelaidefc.com.au
"Getting him into the mix along with three new midfielders is a good result.
"We think our strategy of trading picks to give us the final position we had in the draft will work for us because we’ve been able to get some quality young players who will help us in the long-term."
The Power used its final pick to upgrade Nathan Krakouer to their senior list.
Former Port Adelaide Aboriginal AFL Academy player Brandan Parfitt was swooped upon by Geelong at Pick 26.
Read and watch highlights of the Power's four recruits below.
Pick 16. Todd Marshall (Murray Bushrangers, NSW/ACT - Allies)
Port Adelaide national recruiting manager Geoff Parker says...
"Todd’s a tall forward, he’s not a genuine key forward – a bit more rangy in his build and his athleticism. He can get up and down the ground, has got great agility, takes the ball well in the air and kicks good goals."
"He’s probably not too dissimilar from one of our current players who plays as a tall, rangy forward."
Pick 18. Sam Powell-Pepper (East Perth, WA)
Port Adelaide national recruiting manager Geoff Parker says...
"Sam plays the game at great intensity, attacks the contest, the man and goes hard after the ball. He’ll be a reall good fit for what our coaching staff want. His athletic qualities will help him get around the ground."
Pick 32. Joe Atley (Bendigo Pioneers, Vic Country)
Port Adelaide national recruiting manager Geoff Parker says...
"Joe is another midfielder, more of an inside type but has some speed to get out and run-and-carry the footy. He had a good year with the Bendigo Pioneers and played a few games in the VFL with Geelong."
Pick 33. Willem Drew (North Ballarat Rebels, Vic Country)
Port Adelaide national recruiting manager Geoff Parker says...
"Willem is a North Ballarat boy, has a big engine as a medium mid. He can earn multiple possession in the chain and had a strong year in a pretty good side at the Rebels."
