Track Watch: Power SSP trialist, small forwards stand out in intra-club

Port Adelaide SSP trialist Jaidyn Stephenson had a noteworthy intraclub game on Friday evening.

The former Rising Star winner was the standout forward of the first half, presenting well and adding energy inside 50 as he kicked two goals.

While he had a quieter finish to the game. it was an impressive return given an injury-interrupted pre-season.

Stephenson has been fighting for one of two open list spots, with fellow AFL aspirant Mitch Zadow also showing sizzle in the forward line.

Balyn O'Brien is also trialing. The Power have the option of adding Ivan Soldo to the Long Term Injury list and opening up a third spot on their list.

Small forwards Benny Barrett, Tom Anastasopoulos and Joe Berry all had exciting moments.

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Barrett kicked two first quarter goals and calmly hit up Jack Lukosious in the last quarter, leading to a goal.

Untried Anastasopoulos found plenty of the footy in attack ahead of a season where he will be playing for his future, while Berry continued to build on a hyped pre-season.

Port Adelaide's small forwards will be an intriguing watch in 2026. Despite his inexperience and youth, the clean and smart 180cm Berry is the most notable front and centre forward at the club following the retirement of Willie Rioli last season.

Rioli averaged well over a goal a game throughout his career and slotted 27 goals last year, taking opponents' dangerous lockdown small defenders, allowing Berry to be quietly integrated into the lineup.

The goal scoring, athletic small forward has become one of the most important positions in the game, with the best sides across the last five years all possessing a player who can change momentum - think Charlie Cameron, Zac Bailey, Jamie Elliott, Bobby Hill, Tom Papley, Kysaiah Pickett.

Such players have an important role in giving their teams repeat looks inside 50 by locking the ball in - an area the Power struggled with.

The Power were top six for marks inside 50 but bottom six for scores per inside 50, indicating that they struggled to score when the ball hit the deck.

With Mitch Georgiades likely to spearhead a three-pronged forward line that also contains
The emergence of recruit Joe Richards was a positive of the Power's middling 2025 season, but he plays a higher role, connecting the midfield and forward line.

Corey Durdin is also on the list, having crossed from Carlton, and has 48 goals through 64 games. He missed the intra-club with a heel injury.

Meanwhile, Todd Marshall took some kick-outs and used it cleanly as he adjusts to life as a defender.

Jackson Mead also played in defence, while Miles Bergman played in the midfield and recruit Will Brodie was busy in the engine room.