After Dean Brogan sustained an injury in the Round 3 clash against the Crows, Fabian Deluca was the ruckman everyone was talking about.

Unfortunately for Deluca, the Power match committee couldn’t find a spot for him in the 22. So instead of lining up for the Power against the Magpies, he lined up for the Double Blues against the Magpies in the SANFL.

In a clear sign that the 203cm giant is hungry to be called up to the AFL, the Power’s development coach Darren Trevena has named Deluca as the Round 3 Power SANFL Player of the Week.

Trevena told PortAdelaideFC.com.au that Deluca’s on ground performance was the best possible way to respond to his non-selection.

“He was excellent at centre bounces with 27 hit outs. He even kicked a goal from outside 50. He hunted the ball around the packs and showed some aggression and that’s what we wanted to see,” Trevena said.

“I think he did everything right to put his hand up and to prove that he is available to be picked. He made inroads to improving his deficiencies, he’s moving ahead nicely.”

There were 12 other Power players involved with their SANFL clubs at the weekend. Here’s how Trevena saw the action…

Travis Boak (Glenelg reserves) - “He had 41 possessions and was their best on ground for the second week running and I’m sure he’ll play (Glenelg) seniors this week. His kicking was good and his work ethic was fantastic.”

Robbie Gray (West Adelaide) - “Robbie did some really exciting things and showed the reasons why we drafted him. He was very clean and good with his hands in close. He set up a lot of the play. His next step is to get inside 50 and kick some goals.”

Ryan Willits (West Adelaide) - “He played against his old club and kicked three goals. He hunted the ball pretty well. His second and third efforts were really good. He’s only going to get better and better. He was good with low ball gathers and he was really excited with the win.”

Alipate Carlile (South Adelaide) - “He started at full back and then moved up to centre half-back where he created lots of run and drive and took what has to be mark of the year. After a slow start he got himself back in the game.”

Nick Lower (Norwood) - “He started in the forward line and then went to the back half after half time. He got a bit lost up forward but settled down in the back. He needs to run and carry with the ball a bit more.”

Adam Cockshell (Norwood) - “He started at centre half-back and he got lost back there. After half time he played up forward but didn’t look quite as confident (as usual) after coming back from an ankle injury.”

Hugh Minson (Norwood) - “He rucked and came off the bench. He tried hard in the short patches he had.”

Matthew Thomas (Norwood) - “He was their second best player and really put his hand up for senior selection. Matty was hard at it when the ball was in his area, he tackles and chases and harasses. He’s picked up his kicking in the past few weeks and I think that’ll be the difference between him getting an AFL berth.”

Troy Chaplin (Sturt) - “He had some goals kicked on him but that probably wasn’t indicative of his game. He ran well, he spoiled well. He was pretty solid out of the back as well.”

Adam Thomson (Sturt) - “He played a fair bit of time down back. He picked up 17 touches in the second half when he was moved into the midfield.”

Alex Lee (Sturt reserves) - “He showed a better effort than in the past couple of matches. He is progressing and improving on previous weeks.”

Peter Hardy (Sturt reserves) - “He got dropped back to reserves but he went back with the right attitude and will be looking to regain senior selection.”

The proof is in the pudding and as you can see there’s a lot of pressure for senior spots in the Port Adelaide Football Club.

Be sure to visit PortAdelaideFC.com.au every Monday for the latest from development coach, Darren Trevena.