This story originally appeared on afl.com.au

IT is just 96 days until Port Adelaide plays its first game of the 2019 AFL season and already speculation has started about just who will make the Power’s team for that game.

The latest attempt comes from afl.com.au reporter Nick Bowen.

He has included new recruits Ryan Burton and Scott Lycett as well as draftee Connor Rozee but could not find space for the experienced Sam Mayes, Matthew Broadbent, and Jack Watts nor for Jarrod Lienert, Aidyn Johnson or Kane Farrell who each impressed at times in 2018.

See his team and read his explanation below.

TEAM EXPLAINED: It's a new-look Port team after the departures of Chad Wingard, Jared Polec, Jack Hombsch and Jasper Pittard in the NAB AFL Trade Period. Port will be one of the rare teams to field two genuine ruckmen in 2019, with free agency acquisition Scott Lycett and Paddy Ryder both effective targets when resting in attack. Former Hawk Ryan Burton slots straight in on a half-back flank, although the stiff competition for spots in Port's backline means there's no room for ex-Lion Sam Mayes, Jarrod Lienert and Matthew Broadbent, who will likely start 2019 in the SANFL after missing all of last season with an ankle injury. Hamish Hartlett, however, is on track to return from a knee construction, while last year's No.5 draft pick, Connor Rozee, is simply too talented to leave out. After his strong finish to 2018, Kane Farrell is an unlucky omission.  

PRE-SEASON BATTLE: Justin Westhoff's ability to push up the ground means Port can afford to field an extra tall forward alongside Charlie Dixon and its resting ruckman, with talented youngster Todd Marshall and former Demon Jack Watts the obvious options. We have opted for Marshall, who is held in high regard at Alberton and has made an impressive start to the pre-season. Watts played 19 games in his first season with the Power this year, but needs to show signs this summer that he's finally ready to deliver on a consistent basis. - Nick Bowen

B: Dougal Howard, Tom Clurey, Dan Houston
HB: Darcy Byrne-Jones, Tom Jonas, Ryan Burton
C: Sam Gray, Ollie Wines, Steven Motlop,
HF: Travis Boak, Justin Westhoff, Robbie Gray
F: Scott Lycett, Charlie Dixon, Connor Rozee
Foll: Paddy Ryder, Sam Powell-Pepper, Brad Ebert
I/C: Tom Rockliff, Todd Marshall, Riley Bonner, Hamish Hartlett 

Defender depth: Matthew Broadbent, Xavier Duursma, Riley Grundy, Jarrod Lienert, Sam Mayes, Trent McKenzie

Forward depth: Tobin Cox, Kane Farrell, Aidyn Johnson, Jack Watts, Boyd Woodcock

Midfield depth: Karl Amon, Joe Atley, Zak Butters, Willem Drew, Joel Garner, Cameron Hewett, Jake Patmore, Jack Trengove

Ruck depth: Billy Frampton, Sam Hayes, Peter Ladhams

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