Port Adelaide gun forward Mitch Georgiades says it's "very exciting" what SSP hopeful Jaidyn Stephenson is producing this pre-season as he pushes for an AFL lifeline.
Stephenson is one of four train-on options at Alberton vying for two list spots, and could be the leading prospect ahead of the February 20 deadline.
Joining Stephenson are Mitch Zadow, Balyn O'Brien, and Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier.
The former Pie and Roo has 122 games of experience at the top flight, but spent 2025 at his local football club, Ferntree Gully, after retiring from the competition, flagging the love lost for the game.
However, his intention to rejoin the league has been fueled by his impressive return, as he has been training with the Power and turning heads during summer sessions, including Georgiades.
"He's super talented," the 24-year-old said.
"I mean, some of the stuff he does out there, it looks like he hasn't missed a beat, really. Very exciting. So we'll just see how that turns out."
Stephenson's push for a spot on Port Adelaide's list fuels more intrigue regarding their small forward contingent, which undertook a major overhaul last year.
Corey Durdin was a key addition over the off-season, while Willie Rioli and Jed McEntee departed the club.
Joe Berry, Joe Richards and Darcy Byrne-Jones are all forward options. Sam Powell-Pepper will be one to watch in the second half of 2026 as he recovers from an ACL tear in July.
"We've got, I think, probably five or six boys that can play small forward in Round 1, and they're all battling out there now," Georgiades said.
"There's a lot of youth. You look at Joe Berry, and then Durdin coming in, obviously Darcy and Joe are there as well. So there's a fair crew that could play, which is, I mean, competition is healthy, and it's going to make us a better side."
The key forward mix has also changed. Todd Marshall is training with the defensive line, while Jack Lukosius, Ollie Lord and Jack Whitlock are all pushing for positions alongside Georgiades.
"I think as a group, after obviously losing a fair few boys last year to injury, we'll have some players back this year, fingers crossed. Both Jacks, 'Lordy' as well," he said.
"We know that 'Lordy' is a competitive beast, and hopefully, he can get a bit more continuity this year with his football. Jack (Whitlock), on the back of last year, was playing some really strong football; it's a good battle for him.
"The competition's healthy, and it'll make us better."
