Port Adelaide’s Strategy for ‘Compromised’ Draft and Wanganeen-Milera Unveiled

Port Adelaide’s list manager, Jason Cripps, has shared insights into the club’s strategy regarding the upcoming ‘compromised’ draft. The team is actively planning for the future, eyeing drafts in 2026 and 2027 rather than focusing solely on the current year.

Current Trade Activity and Future Focus

Port Adelaide has engaged in a busy trade period. They acquired several players, including:

• Will Brodie from Fremantle
• Corey Durdin from Carlton
• Jacob Wehr from GWS
• A second-round pick in 2026 from Carlton

Despite the activity, Cripps emphasized a shift in focus towards future drafts. The team currently holds picks 49 and 85 in this year’s national draft. Cripps stated, “We’ll look to move Pick 49 over the next period or on draft night.”

Strategic Goals for Upcoming Drafts

Cripps outlined key objectives for the club’s draft strategy:

• To accumulate draft capital for the next two years.
• To prioritize the 2026 and 2027 drafts.
• To focus on securing Academy players and consolidating picks for father-son selections.

He added, “We’re not as bullish on this year’s draft because it’s compromised.” The intention is to have multiple picks available in future years.

Next Generation Academy Aspirations

One significant target for Port Adelaide is Dougie Cochrane, a potential number one pick. Cochrane, the son of former player Stuart Cochrane, is a key figure for the Power’s Next Generation Academy (NGA). His inclusion would require the team to have adequate draft picks to place a bid.

Preparation for Future Contracts

Additionally, Cripps mentioned the club’s intentions regarding St Kilda’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the 2027 season. “We would all love to bring in A Grade talent,” Cripps stated. “Nasiah is a South Australian. We want to bring in homegrown talent.”

Wanganeen-Milera recently signed a lucrative two-year deal worth approximately $2 million annually with St Kilda. As his contract will conclude in 2027, Port Adelaide aims to be well-positioned when he becomes available for consideration again.