Port Adelaide have confirmed the addition of state league star Jack Watkins to their SANFL list following the former North Melbourne VFL captain's unsuccessful Supplemental Selection Period stint at Alberton.
Watkins was invited to train under coach Ken Hinkley in November as the Power weighed up filling their final list spot for the 2025 season, with the vacancy eventually handed to Victorian teenager Josh Lai prior to last month's signing deadline.
The decision meant Watkins' plans of breaking through to the top flight fell short, however the Darley junior will remain in South Australia and join the Port Adelaide Magpies for the season ahead.
The move sees the SANFL side gain a star of the stare league season, with Watkins a member of last year's VFL Team of the Year after averaging ย 24.9 disposals, 4.4 tackles and 4.8 clearances per game as a midfield-forward threat.
Jack is a very hardworking midfielder, and you know he's going to get to as many contests as he can,โ Magpies coach Hamish Hartlett said in a club announcement.ย
โHe's a really strong, fit and tough inside mid, who uses the ball well and is very consistent in his performance. We know he will be a really important part of our group this year.โ
Watkins' arrival follows the headline signing of Central Districts star and former Gold Coast flanker Jez McLennan, who made the move to Port Adelaide in October.
The Magpies have also added Shay Linke, Nic Couroupis, Ryan Carnelly, Heath Growden, Austin Harris and Mack Bowman, withย Oli Francou,ย Rome Burgoyneย andย Kyle Marshall also signed under the SANFL's list guidelines.ย
Port Adelaide are coming off a difficult 2024 campaign that netted the club just four wins, resulting in a wooden spoon finish.
The Magpies' 2025 season gets underway against Glenelg at Alberton Oval on Friday, March 28 - the opening game of the new SANFL campaign.
