PORT Adelaide’s rookies will battle it out over the next month to secure one of two available spots on the senior list.

The Power has chosen to structure its 44-man list with 38 senior-listed players and six rookies (plus Cat B rookie Emmanuel Irra). Each club can have up to 40 senior listed players at any one stage, meaning the Power has two spots available to fill on the senior list.

The club’s seven rookie-listed players will have Friday’s internal trial at Family Day along with the JLT Community Series (which rookies are eligible to play in) to impress the coaches and secure a place on the senior list.

portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look at the prospects of the Power’s seven rookies...

#27 – Brett Eddy
Height: 193cm
Weight: 97kg
Position: Forward
Brett Eddy highlights
The 27-year-old dominated the SANFL in 2016, leading the competition with 74 goals. He’s agile, a good kick and could fill a role up forward for the Power supporting Charlie Dixon. Football manager Chris Davies says Eddy has “worked hard” in pre-season and has put himself right in the mix for an upgrade – but he’ll have to earn in it through good form in the JLT Series.
Why upgrade him? A mature-age recruit whose body is ready for the rigours of AFL footy. Eddy can have an instant impact and could ease the burden on Dixon.

#34 – Will Snelling
Height: 174cm
Weight: 89kg
Position: Midfielder
Snelling had an injury-interrupted year in 2016, playing just six SANFL games for the Magpies, but his form and work-rate on the track were so good he forced his way into the Power’s Round 23 line-up against the Suns. He impressed the Port Adelaide faithful with 15 disposals, 6 tackles and a goal.
Why upgrade him? The nuggety, inside midfielder has proven he’s ready for AFL football and could add reliable depth to the Power’s midfield.

#38 – Peter Ladhams
Height: 203cm
Weight: 94kg
Position: Ruck
Peter Ladhams highlights
The 19-year-old ruckman impressed at the SA draft combine, winning the running vertical jump and improving his 20m sprint and beep test times. Will need time to add bulk to his frame, but his ruck work continues to improve.
Why upgrade him? Ladhams needs time to develop, so it’s likely only injuries to ruckmen Paddy Ryder, Matt Lobbe and Jackson Trengove would see Ladhams upgraded.

#40 – Jarrod Lienert
Height: 193cm
Weight: 89kg
Position: Utility
Jarrod Lienert highlights
A Premiership player with Sturt, Lienert is a beautiful kick, is agile and can play a variety of roles from half forward to key defender. At 22, Lienert has the body and maturity to step up to AFL level.
Why upgrade him? Lienert’s versatility will appeal to the coaches. That, combined with his skills, could see him push for a senior spot with good form over the next month.

#43 – Dan Houston
Height: 187cm
Weight: 85kg
Position: Forward
Houston started 2016 with hip/groin issues, but worked through them to feature consistently for the Magpies. A crafty forward with a good leap, Houston turns 20 this year and will be hoping to make his mark at Port Adelaide.
Why upgrade him? Houston will need a strong performance up forward in the internal trial to force his way into the team for the JLT Series to give himself a chance of being upgraded before Round 1.

#44 – Cam Hewett
Height: 189cm
Weight: 78kg
Position: Midfielder/defender
The coaches were happy with Hewett’s development over his first year at Alberton in 2016, mixing his time between midfield and defence. Missed four weeks in the middle of the year with a finger injury, but will be hoping to lift his game to another level in 2017.
Why upgrade him? Hewett could provide run and carry from defence, but his game is still developing. He’d need an impressive next month to be considered for an upgrade.

#45 – Emmanuel Irra
Height: 183cm
Weight: 81kg
Position: Midfield
Emmanuel Irra highlights
A powerfully built midfielder, Irra will be hoping to make an impact at SANFL level in 2017. The 22-year-old brings energy and pace to the Port Adelaide midfield and will be hoping to impress on Friday night.
Why upgrade him? Irra could add pace and power to the midfield, but would really need to impress over the next month to secure one of the two senior spots available.