PORT Adelaide coach Mark Williams believes his recruiting staff might have unearthed another recycled gem in the form of rookie Danny Meyer.
Meyer, 22, was cut from Richmond’s senior list at the end of 2008 after managing just three games in his past two seasons.
But the Glenelg junior showed glimpses of why he was considered a first-round draft pick (No.12) back in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft with an encouraging performance against Sturt and the Port Adelaide Magpies.
Meyer slotted two long-range goals playing predominantly across half-back and Williams was equally impressed with the 17-gamer’s athleticism.
“We don’t underestimate what Danny can do if we can keep his body sound,” Williams said on Saturday.
“He nearly took mark of the year and kicked a couple of beautiful goals. He also provided us with some good decision-making coming through from the wing/half-back line.
“He might be something special for us and a real bonus off the rookie list.”
Port Adelaide also appears to have secured a winner in another rookie, Wade Thompson.
The 20-year-old played league football with North Adelaide last season and took to Alberton with aplomb on Saturday.
The burly forward kicked two goals throughout the course of the afternoon and laid several bone-jarring tackles, prompting his teammates to label him ‘Choppy’ after former Power hard man Byron Pickett.
Williams conceded that Thompson needed to work on his fitness, but was optimistic about the livewire’s future in the game.
“He’s still a fair way away from being a consistent senior player, but he did some good stuff for us early,” Williams said.
The Power’s three other rookie-listed players -- Daniel Stewart, Matthew Martin and Jesse Laurie -- are also in the ‘ready-made’ mould, having experienced senior footy in 2008.
Stewart provided some highlights with his strong marking in front of goal against the Magpies and Laurie and Martin showed some grunt before the latter came from the ground nursing his shoulder.
Highly rated first- and second-round draft picks Hamish Hartlett and Jackson Trengove were the only two youngsters missing from the 40-man squad on Saturday.
And Williams said the trial matches against the two SANFL sides had provided a great insight for the Power faithful.
“It’s fantastic for our supporters to get a chance to see our young players in the Power guernsey straight away,” he said.
“Some of the guys might be three or four years down the track, especially if they don’t play NAB Cup, it could be a long time. It really adds to the feeling of team and the feeling of worth for the young players straight away.”
