Delisted Port Adelaide forward Boyd Woodcock has revealed his sorrow following his unforeseen sacking from Ken Hinkley's team last week.
The 21-year-old South Australian only managed 12 games at AFL level after being recruited in the 2019 Rookie Draft at pick number 32.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
The small forward booted seven goals in a handful of appearances, with four of them coming from his six games in 2021.
However, with the likes of Orazio Fantasia, Connor Rozee and Zak Butters already filling a similar mould to him, Woodcock struggled to nail down a regular spot in coach Hinkley's setup.
Speaking on SEN SA Breakfast on Monday, Woodcock expressed his dismay at being told he wouldn't have a spot at the club for 2022.
“My manager gave me a call a few days ago and said, ‘You’re going to get a call from Kenny (coach Ken Hinkley) and it’s not going to go your way,’” he said.
“Kenny obviously gave me the ring and let me know and said, unfortunately, the club’s going a different way and it’ll be good for me to get opportunities elsewhere, whether that be at another AFL club, which is what I’m hoping for, if not then at the state level and that way at least I’ll be able to get some more games in.”
Out of the three players Port Adelaide drafted in that 2019 Rookie Draft, only Woodcock has played for the senior side with Jake Pasini (Pick 8) and Trent Burgoyne (Pick 22) both not having featured for the Power, with the latter of the two being delisted only days ago.
Despite failing to nail down a core role in the Port Adelaide side, Woodcock was still under the impression that he would be offered a contract extension for his efforts.
“I think for most of the year I was pretty confident (of getting a new deal), I’m only 21, I’ve come in and played 12 games in the last two years and still developing but obviously the club’s gone a different way, which I completely respect.
“Hopefully I can keep working on my game and get opportunities elsewhere."
Small forwards are a rare breed to come across, with the role being one of paramount importance to the overall function of a team's attack.
The aforementioned opportunities elsewhere may lie away from his hometown of Adelaide, with several clubs around the country certainly in need of a smaller-bodied, hardworking forward.
With Woodcock off the list, Port Adelaide will now turn to the draft in order to strengthen their depth outside of their first 22.
The Power hold Pick 12 in the first round, however don't have a second selection until numbers 63, 73, 74 and 92 in the count.
Last season Ken Hinkley's side managed to grab Lachlan Jones and Ollie Lord at Picks 16 and 49, with the former managing to make six appearances and establish himself as a cult figure in his first year at AFL level.
