Former North Melbourne VFL captain Jack Watkins will make his AFL debut this Sunday against his old club, with Port Adelaide announcing its extended squad for Round 1. 

The Power rookie is a story of resilience, only getting his first opportunity to join an AFL list in November as a 25-year-old. 

Watkins moved from Melbourne to Adelaide to play for the club’s SANFL side in 2025, earning the A.R. McLean Medal for the best and fairest Magpies player, and eventually securing a list spot through the rookie draft. 

Known for his high work rate and toughness in the contest, Watkins will be one of three players to pull on the black, white and teal for the first time this Sunday. 

He’ll be joined by former Giant Jacob Wehr and former Blue Corey Durdin at Marvel Stadium, after both players arrived at Alberton during the 2025 trade period. 

Winger Wehr played 39 games for GWS, while small forward Durdin’s chalked up 64 matches at AFL level. Senior coach Josh Carr confirmed on Thursday that Durdin will play this weekend, despite being named on the extended interchange. 

Todd Marshall makes his return to AFL football after almost 550 days since his last game, with the former key forward assuming his new position in the backline. 

Marshall’s 2025 was wiped out when he ruptured his achilles in pre-season, but the 27-year-old’s hard work has been rewarded. 

Miles Bergman is back after missing the AAMI Community Series with a foot issue, while young forwards Jack Whitlock and Joe Berry have both been named on ground. 

The extended bench comprises Jackson Mead, Jack Lukosius, Logan Evans, Ollie Lord, Ewan Mackinlay and Jordon Sweet, alongside Watkins and Durdin, with three players moved from the interchange to the emergencies on Friday afternoon when the team is finalised.  

Sunday’s game will begin at 12:40pm Adelaide time, and the match will be broadcast live on Fox Footy, Channel 7 and Kayo. 

Non-selected players will take on West Adelaide in a SANFL practice match at Elizabeth Oval from 10am on Saturday.