The 18-year-old, who is a life-long Power supporter, becomes the fourth Power player to debut this season, behind Wade Thompson, Hamish Hartlett and Jason Davenport. He’ll be joined in the Power side by Eagles’ teammate Nick Salter – who booted five on the weekend – as well as Travis Boak and Nick Lower.
They replace the omitted trio of Peter Burgoyne, Josh Carr and Michael Pettigrew, as well as Tom Logan, who will miss with the flu.
Power Football Operations Manager Peter Rohde said Broadbent had well and truly earned his selection.
“Broady’s been in solid form for most of the season and we’re really pleased to have another first-gamer come into our side,” Rohde said.
“He’s got a good mix of speed and endurance, and with his height he’ll provide some flexibility – playing back or in the midfield.
“Salter missed a large chunk of footy with injury earlier this year, but to his credit he still managed to improve his fitness in that time. He’s kicked 17 goals in four weeks for the Eagles and we’re hoping he can keep that form going.”
The Power’s final team to face West Coast, as named at 4.30pm on Friday, is as follows:
B: Alipate Carlile, Toby Thurstans, Jacob Surjan
HB:Nathan Krakouer, Chad Cornes, Paul Stewart
C: Steven Salopek, Dom Cassisi, Travis Boak
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, David Rodan
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Justin Westhoff
R: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
Interchange: Matthew Broadbent, Jason Davenport, Nick Lower, Nick Salter
Emergencies: Danny Meyer, Michael Pettigrew, Matthew Westhoff
IN: Boak, Broadbent, Lower, Salter
OUT: Josh Carr, Peter Burgoyne, Michael Pettigrew (omitted), Tom Logan (influenza)
NEW: Matthew Broadbent – 2008 AFL Draft pick no. 38 (Woodville-West Torrens)
