Port Adelaide has selected forward/midfielder Xavier Bamert with pick five in Tuesday night’s Telstra AFL mid-season rookie draft.
The 19-year-old was overlooked in last year’s national draft and has since signed with North Melbourne’s VFL team, playing four games so far this season.
A big-bodied midfielder, Bamert is a powerful left-footer with high work-rate and an element of aggression to his game.
In his draft year, Bamert captained the Sandringham Dragons to a grand final appearance and played all four games for Victoria Metro in the under 18 national championships.
“Xavier put the disappointment of missing last year's draft behind him working hard to improve his all-round game through the off-season,” National Recruiting Manager Geoff Parker said.
"He has performed at a high level in the VFL playing predominantly as a forward, showcasing his competitive attack on the contest, strong running capacity and ability to impact the scoreboard."
Bamert is Port Adelaide’s first pick in the mid-season rookie draft.
Previously, Port Adelaide has chosen Cam Sutcliffe (2019), Jed McEntee (2021), Brynn Teakle (2022), Quinton Narkle (2023), Logan Evans (2024), Mani Liddy, Ewan Mackinlay and Harrison Ramm (2025) in the mid-season rookie draft.
DOB: 29 January 2007
Height: 185cm
Club: North Melbourne (VFL)
Position: Forward/Midfielder
