Second-year player Jack Whitlock is feeling inspired by some fresh energy at Port Adelaide, with plenty of new faces leading the charge for 2026.
Whitlock spent his off-season back home in Shepparton, where he says he ‘lived in the gym’ and enjoyed time with family and friends.
Speaking with the Adelaide media on the first official day of pre-season, the 19-year-old discussed meeting his new line coach, his goals for 2026, and his thoughts on the AFL’s new wildcard round.
Whitlock on day one of pre-season
“It's really fresh energy. Great to be back see all the boys again. Everyone's put in a lot of work, so first day back’s always a bit daunting, but it’s good to get it out of the way. And it was a really good session in the end. Lots of energy, heaps of new people. So that always builds some energy as well. So it was really good.”
Whitlock on getting to know all the new people
“I went out for coffee with Reeva (forwards coach Darren Reeves) yesterday, so that was really cool. Got to know him a bit more, he’s come from bit of success at Glenelg, so he’s a great fella, and I think we'll get along really well, working close in the forwards group. And then all the other coaches have been super good. Had a little bit of an introduction this morning, so it'll be good to build some more connections and get to know everyone.
“For me, it's sort of just another first year again. Came in last year, so it's sort of nothing new. I met all the players and all the coaches for the first time this time last year, and then sort of doing the same thing. A lot more energy amongst the group this year. Carry (Josh Carr) has got us in good stead I think.”
Whitlock on having some of the older boys return early
“Yeah, it was good. Jonesy, Berg, Rose, Luko, good to see them and few others that I probably missed. But yeah, they definitely drive the standards and show what it takes to be at their level. So it was really cool. Super grateful for them, having them out in the track, just extra leaders with their voice and knowing what to do, how to follow them, it’s very cool.”
Whitlock on his off-season
“I went back to Shepparton, where my family are, got to spend a lot more time with them, my brother, friends. That was pretty cool. And then just pretty much chilled out there. Went to Anglesea for a week, which was pretty relaxing. And, yeah, just floated around Victoria.”
Whitlock on his preparation for his second year
“Yeah, especially having a taste of AFL footy late, definitely put me in a good stead. And then the off-season, just focusing on putting on a bit more size, smashing out the gym, which I did. I feel really good with my strength at the moment, and my running I think has been pretty good. But I’m feeling pretty confident and comfortable now, now that I know what takes. Lots of food, six meals a day, getting as many meals into me as I can, and then just pretty much living in the gym (to help put on size).”
Whitlock on his goals for 2026
“Just keep developing as a person, on and off the field. Be the best person I can and really contribute to the group. Try to play as much AFL footy as I can and yeah, just keep getting better and better and better. Speaking to Reeva (Darren Reeves) yesterday, just (focus on becoming) more versatile, coming up at the footy a lot more. When I'm marking out the front, that's what makes me a good player. And then just backing in my strengths, my athleticism, my run, my marking and mobility.”
Whitlock on Josh Carr as senior coach
“I think Carry has been pretty good. He's very calm and strategic, and he's always got a lot on his mind, I think. He thinks very well. He's very good and building his relationships, getting a lot of the boys closer, and yeah, just going back to the process of what it takes to be a Port Adelaide player. He played a video this morning just touching on the ruthlessness of what it takes to win a premiership. So I think if we can carry that into the pre-season, then we'll have a great year ahead. (The video was) just talking about the rich history of Port Adelaide, and how, when our inaugural AFL side came in, there was a lot of history before that, especially in the SANFL. So just going back to the roots of why we are Port Adelaide, what makes us good, who we are, and the fans and why everyone follows Port Adelaide.”
Whitlock on earning a spot in the AFL side in 2026
“For sure, yeah. I definitely back myself in and believe that I can be in the main side. I'm just going to keep getting better and put my name up for selection every week and make it hard for them not to pick me if I'm playing good footy and have a great pre-season.”
Whitlock on Todd Marshall’s move to the backline
“That should be good for Todd. He's a great player, and I'm sure he'll thrive wherever he is. He’s put on a lot more size and he’ll be a very good asset for us. The end of the year just gone, we sort of had a couple match-ups together, and it's a bit weird going from doing vision with him about forward craft to then him playing on me. He knows all my tricks! But yeah, it'd be good. It'd be good for us. Obviously, a bit of a change in the landscape.”
Whitlock on the AFL’s wildcard round
“Yeah, I like it. Super exciting for the fans. For me, growing up in the Coates League, we had wild cards, so it’s not too new for me. And yeah, it is really exciting. Adds another element for teams that aren't quite in the eight to push harder and strive to be better, to get that wild card spot. I think be really exciting for the game.”
