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With just one veteran on the club’s list (skipper Dom Cassisi), the Power has the option to upgrade a ‘nominated rookie’ for the 2012 season, without requiring a player to be placed on the long-term injury list.
The deadline for the nominated rookie to be upgraded is Tuesday, leaving the club’s six rookies with a nervous wait.
Mature-aged recruit and ex-Carlton and Adelaide player Darren Pfeiffer played four of the Power’s five NAB Cup games, impressing in a number of different positions.
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Pfeiffer had 14 touches and kicked two goals on Friday night in a performance that will place him as one of the frontrunners in the competition for the senior list promotion.
Pfeiffer’s potential has been displayed throughout the pre-season and with Port Adelaide being his third club, he has worked hard to take it.
“Not many people get a third chance, but I’ve got one and I know there is a possibility I could force my way onto this list - but it all comes down to hard work,” Pfeiffer said.
Tom Jonas was another to play a role during the pre-season, appearing in all but one of the Power’s NAB Cup games, while Jarrad Irons was given an opportunity in his home state in the side that lost to West Coast. Both spent time on the senior list in 2011.
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General Manager - Football, Peter Rohde confirmed the club is likely to upgrade one of its rookies before Round 1.
“In the past we’ve had two players on the veterans’ list, but now with just one (Cassisi), we can add one of our rookies to the senior list,” said Rohde.
“A couple of guys forced their way onto the list in 2011, and having guys like Pfeiffer, Jonas and Irons pushing for a spot creates great competition on the track and even keeps the more senior guys on their toes.”
With Cameron Hitchcock on the long-term injury list, the club also has the capacity to elevate another rookie for the period Hitchcock remains on the LTI.
