PORT ADELAIDE Academy program has seen three players drafted into AFL ranks, with Declan Hamilton, Nathan Krakouer and Keenan Ramsey finding their way to elite homes.

Hamilton was the first member of the club’s academy to be taken in the draft, finding his way to the Western Bulldogs courtesy of the Footscray club’s third pick.

Hamilton is the nephew of former South Australian AFL footballers Darren and Andrew Jarman, but made a name for himself as a member of the Magpies Academy team this year.

He represented the state in the national championships and played 10 games, kicking 13 goals in the SANFL reserves this year, being named second-best in the team’s final game against Sturt.

Academy teammates Krakouer and Ramsey will stay local in 2015.

Krakouer was given a second chance at an AFL career when Port Adelaide effectively upgraded him to its AFL group with its first rookie draft pick on Wednesday.

The West Australian will continue to wear the club’s traditional black-and-white jumper in the SANFL next year where, as a rookie, he’s likely to start next season.

But he could add to its AFL games tally if upgraded to the senior list during the year.

While Ramsey will stay in Adelaide, it will be with the Crows that he continues his football career.

The 18-year-old from Marble Range is comes from Port Adelaide’s traditional country heartland and follows in the footsteps of many of the club’s country players who have made it to AFL level.

Mark Clayton coached both Hamilton and Ramsey through the club’s underage program and will head up the Magpies Academy next year.

He says having three players recruited is a great result for the program’s first year.

"We set up the Academy to provide the best place to develop elite footballers, so it's encouraging for us to have three players picked up," Clayton told portadelaidefc.com.au

"Declan and Keenan played in the national championships this year and showed promise through our underage program, so it's a credit to them that they've been drafted.

"Nathan played League and reserves-grade with the Academy and he's worked very hard to get back into the AFL system.

"The Academy is designed to provide an elite environment to AFL hopefuls, so we're hoping to attract talented local players to learn in the Port Adelaide system."

A number of League contracts will be available following several club departures in the off-season and many Academy players will be vying for the vacant positions in the senior group.