ALMOST 3000 Port Adelaide fans flocked to Alberton Oval to catch their first glimpses of new club recruits in Friday's internal trial match.
The black team was the stronger side on the day coming away with a 27-point win, however some players switched teams at the half and three-quarter-time breaks to give coaches plenty to consider.
Assistant coach Chad Cornes called the trial a somewhat ‘scrappy’ display, but attributed it to possible match simulation fatigue.
"The boys have been having those kinds of hit-outs pretty much since we got back from the Christmas break so (there may be) a bit of internal trial fatigue," Cornes said after the game.
"There were some good signs from some players but overall, it was a bit scrappy and wasn’t the way we've trained over the last month or so.”
In a pleasant surprise for Brynn Teakle fans, the 204-centimetre tall started in the ruck for the black 'firsts' team, while Scott Lycett rucked for white.
Intrigue over the number one ruck position continued into the final quarter however, as Teakle and Lycett switched sides.
"(Josh) Carr likes the way (Teakle) jumps in at the centre bounce," Cornes said.
"He moves really well and gets up and down the ground well. We've seen what he can do when he goes forward (too). Scooter's (Lycett) had a bit of an interrupted pre-season. (Ruck positions) are definitely up in the air. There are spots all over the ground (up for grabs).”
Cornes noted that Jason Horne-Francis and Junior Rioli were both a touch quiet in the trial, but there was no doubt Power fans were excited to see both in action.
"Jase was quiet. He had a couple of nice moments and to Jase's credit he's had a really good month on the track since he's returned from injury. He’s really stood out.
"(Junior) was a little quieter today but I've loved what he's provided over the pre-season. Some of the kicks he hits inside 50 are like nothing I've ever seen before.”
Orazio Fantasia was back at full fitness after an injury-plagued 2022, playing a full game, while Cornes also noted that Dante Visentini showed positive signs and was moved into the black team in the second half.
“(Visentini) attacks the ball really well, has a strong presence about it him, is a beautiful set shot for goal and pretty solid in the air,” Cornes said.
“He was outstanding for whites early and that's why he got the promotion to the black team.”
The squad came through the trial largely unscathed, although Charlie Dixon will be assessed after copping a blow to the ribs.
“He landed awkwardly and his elbow went into his rib,” Cornes said.
“He'll get scans this week and we’ll know more but I don’t think there's anything too major.”
Connor Rozee, Todd Marshall and Sam Powell-Pepper kicked two goals each for the black team, while young guns Visentini and SANFL-listed Hugh Ferrari each scored two for white.
Selection headaches are expected for Round 1, with plenty of young players putting their best foot forward.
"Hopefully by that Freo trial game we’ve got the best 22 or 23 that are available and we'll go from there,” Cornes said.
“It's definitely not set. We're deeper than we have been in the past, which is great for competition (for spots).”
Black 10. 14. 74
Goals: Rozee 2, T. Marshall 2, Powell-Pepper 2, Fantasia, Boak, Bergman, McEntee
White 7. 5. 47
Goals: Visentini 2, H. Ferrari 2, Scully, McKenzie, Weidemann
