EXCITING Port Adelaide prospect Mitch Georgiades has emerged as a round one bolter after an eye-catching performance in the Power's intraclub game at Alberton Oval on Friday night.
The 19-year-old, 192cm forward launched for everything in the air and wasn't afraid to throw his body around against more experienced defenders.
Georgiades missed all of last season with a serious quad injury, but the Western Australian hasn't missed a beat since being selected by the Power with the 18th overall pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
The Power replenished their forward stocks at the top-end of last year's draft, with Miles Bergman (14th overall pick) and Dylan Williams (23rd overall) looking lively.
Bergman kicked a beautiful goal on the run while Williams grabbed a strong overhead mark and kicked a couple of goals.
FULL FIXTURE Every round, every game
It wasn't just the newcomers who had a point to prove.
This is what Port fans want to see lots of this year - Lycett to Boak to Rozee pic.twitter.com/5HSN2hRIiJ
— Lee Gaskin (@Lee_Gaskin1) February 14, 2020
Utility Jack Watts made a successful comeback in his first game since suffering a season-ending broken leg in round two against Carlton last year.
Watts was assured in defence with his accurate skills by foot an asset in the back half of the ground.
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Veteran swingman Justin Westhoff has adjusted to his new key defensive role, taking several intercept marks and reading the play like a seasoned back.
NAB AFL Rising Star runner-up Connor Rozee looked dangerous in the midfield, using his speed to burst away from packs.
New year, same old Robbie Gray, putting goals on a platter for his teammates pic.twitter.com/OvrF7I6IVB
— Lee Gaskin (@Lee_Gaskin1) February 14, 2020
But he was also lethal when playing forward, putting on the jets to evade a defence and kick a sharp goal from the pocket.
Dan Houston found plenty of the ball playing permanently in the midfield, reigning best and fairest Travis Boak was in great nick and Tom Rockliff was heavily involved.
Key forward Charlie Dixon was a strong target in attack and Scott Lycett narrowly got the edge over Peter Ladhams in the ruck duel.
The only injury during the game was a minor one - winger Xavier Duursma required stitches under his left eye after a head clash in the third quarter.
Vice-captain Ollie Wines (shoulder) and father-son draftee Jackson Mead (hamstring) were the only two players who missed the game through injury.
The Power take on Brisbane (at Moreton Bay, February 23) and the Western Bulldogs (in Whyalla, March 7) in the Marsh Community Series.
