HAVING filled its biggest positional need with the biggest-name recruit of the trade period, Port was always going to be a minor player at this year's NAB AFL Draft.

 

Port ended last season desperate to find some support for ruckman Matthew Lobbe and more than filled that brief when they lured Patrick Ryder from Essendon last month.

 

But the Power gave away its first two draft picks, No. 17 and 37, to get that deal done, meaning it did not enter Thursday night's action until pick No. 56.

 

With such a well-balanced list, the Power could also afford to look to the future – and they did.

 

Port list manager Jason Cripps said their first two selections, key-position players Dougal Howard and Logan Austin, were picked with a view to eventually replacing Alipate Carlisle, Justin Westhoff and Jay Schulz.

 

Likewise, after missing out on securing Gold Coast ruckman Daniel Gorringe in the trade period, Port selected ruckman Billy Frampton as a project player.

 

"All our selections were with a long-term view," Cripps said.

Jason Cripps says: He's 199cm, he's got speed, he's quite aggressive in the way he plays and he can get off his man. He's a project player, but he's shown that he can potentially play a second ruck/key forward role.

 

Jason Cripps says: He plays down back, he's 197cm and he's prepared to come off his man and assist. He's quite brave in the air, he can intercept mark and he's a really good decision-maker.

 

Jason Cripps says: He's about 191cm and had 70 shots at goal in the TAC Cup and kicked about 35 goals. He's got great hands for his size. He's quite smart in what he can do and we think when he's improved his fitness he'll be able to play some different roles. But he's very much a natural, smart forward.

 

Jason Cripps says: He's certainly a long-term project. He's quite athletic. We like the fact that he gets involved around the ground. He does have an impact and he can find the footy.