A mix of fresh and returning faces will feature on Port Adelaide’s SANFL list in 2026, under new coach Jacob Surjan. 

Former Power player Surjan re-joined the club ahead of the 2026 season, following six years as North Adelaide’s head coach. 

“To get back into coaching has been great, and to be able to lead a team like Port Adelaide, which is pretty significant in South Australian football, I’m really honoured,” Surjan said. 

Under the SANFL’s rules for AFL clubs introduced last year, Port Adelaide can sign up to six players from other clubs aged 21 or under as part of a talent development list, with Dakota Sterzl and Dougie Cochrane making the move from South Adelaide and Central District respectively.  

Sterzl played 12 games at league level in 2025, to go with his eight reserves matches.  

At SANFL level, the 19-year-old averaged 11.5 disposals and 3.1 marks as a classy left-footer who uses the ball well.  

“Dakota has a really good tank on him and can play a mix of half back and wing,” Surjan said. 

“He’s an elite ball user and super competitive, so he will be a great addition to our program.” 

Cochrane, who is eligible for this year’s national draft, is following in the footsteps of father Stuart and older brother Tom. 

Part of the club’s Next Generation Academy, the 17-year-old already stands tall at 196 centimetres. 

“It’s exciting to have Dougie in our program,” Surjan said of Cochrane. 

“To coach and to watch him develop for this year will be great. He’s a lovely kid who is happy to do anything the team and the coaches need of him. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can produce this year. 

“We’re really grateful to South Adelaide and Centrals for working with us to give Dakota and Dougie the opportunity to play for Port Adelaide in 2026.” 

Hard-nut Nick Moore, versatile tall Jake Weidemann and last year’s runner-up best and fairest Jez McLennan all return to the Magpies, as does smooth-mover Rome Burgoyne. 

“We're really looking forward to Nick playing some strong, consistent footy for the Maggies this year, and whether it's midfield or forward, we know that he’s going to be the ultimate team player.  

“Jake has had a little bit of an interrupted pre-season, as he recovers from a shoulder scope. But he’s a real Mr Fix-it with a strong, mature body, who can play anywhere.  

“Jez is now in his second year in the program, and has been doing a lot of training with the AFL program during the week. He does a super job in leading from the front in that space. 

“Rome has been training with the AFL program consistently all pre-season and is looking really lean and fit. He's taken his footy to the next level this off-season.” 

Other new additions include Terrel Rigney and Michael Cavallaro from Golden Grove, Keanu Miller from North Haven and Harrison Elbrow, who’s played 29 league matches for North Adelaide.  

“I’m really excited to welcome the new boys, who have brought so much to the club already,” Surjan said. 

“A lot of our SANFL listed players get the opportunity to train with the AFL team, which is a real perk of the program. It's been really good getting back into training post-Christmas and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do in the year ahead.” 

Port Adelaide will host Sturt for a pre-season practice match on Saturday, 28 February at Alberton Oval.