With just one veteran on the club’s list (Dom Cassisi), the Power can upgrade a rookie prior to round one, without requiring a player to be placed on the long-term injury list.
As one of six rookies at Port Adelaide, Pfeiffer will be facing some strong competition for the one spot remaining on the list.
The former Adelaide and Carlton midfielder, taken at pick three in this month’s rookie draft, knows the opportunity is there, but he’ll have to work 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 the list,” Pfeiffer said.
“But, it all comes down to hard work now. There are other blokes trying to do the same thing, so I’ve got to work harder than them if I’m any chance of playing senior football this year.”
Related: Darren Pfeiffer Highlights
Pfeiffer will compete with Tom Jonas, Danny Butcher, Daniel Webb, Jarrad Irons and Mitch Curnow for the final spot on the senior list.
General manager of football operations Peter Rohde said the club is likely to upgrade a rookie before the start of the season, meaning competition at training will be fierce.
“In the past with Chad and Broges we’ve had two players on the veterans’ list, but now with just one, we’ve got the opportunity to add one of our rookies to the senior list,” Rohde said.
“A couple of the guys (Jonas and Irons) forced their way onto the list last season, so they’ll be hoping to do the same in 2012.
“Having these guys pushing for a spot creates great competition on the track and keeps the more senior guys on their toes.”
Rookie-listed players can also be upgraded when a senior-listed player is placed on the long-term injury list, which he must remain on for a minimum of eight weeks.
AFL rules stipulate each club can upgrade a rookie after round 11 (referred to as the nominated rookie) without a player going onto the long-term injury list.
The deadline for upgrading a rookie prior to the season is the Wednesday before Round 1.
