Port Adelaide is facing significant decisions as the club navigates a third player vacancy following the unfortunate injury of ruckman Ivan Soldo. Meanwhile, Carlton’s promising pre-season match was overshadowed by a fresh injury to midfielder Adam Cerra.
Port Adelaide’s Roster Challenges
The Power has been forced to open a third player vacancy after moving Ivan Soldo to the inactive list. Soldo, who suffered an ACL rupture during a training drill earlier this month, has been ruled out for the entire 2026 AFL season. Port Adelaide confirmed on Thursday that Soldo underwent successful surgery, but his absence leaves a critical gap in the team.
With the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP) closing on March 2, four players are vying for the opportunity to join Port Adelaide’s roster. The club is expected to fill two of these spots while keeping one open for the mid-season draft.
Contenders for the Roster Spots
Among the hopefuls is Jaidyn Stephenson, a former Collingwood and North Melbourne player. The 27-year-old, who retired at the end of 2024, has been training with Port Adelaide since last year. His potential return to the AFL comes after a stint in local football with Ferntree Gully.
Another contender is Ted Clohesy, a former Geelong rookie who joined Port Adelaide as a train-on player in March. Clohesy, who played 12 AFL games over three seasons, had initially committed to Woodville-West Torrens for the 2026 SANFL season.
Additionally, mature-age East Fremantle forward Mitch Zadow and Norwood product Balyn O’Brien are also in the running. North Adelaide’s 203cm ruck Alex Van Wyk has been training at Alberton but is only eligible for selection via the mid-season draft.
“With the deadline approaching, the competition among these players is intense, and their performances in training will be crucial,” said an AFL analyst.
Carlton’s Injury Concerns
In a separate development, Carlton is dealing with an injury setback to midfielder Adam Cerra, who sustained a hamstring injury during a match simulation against Brisbane. The injury casts doubt on Cerra’s availability for Carlton’s opening round clash against Sydney.
Assistant coach Josh Fraser expressed optimism about Cerra’s recovery, noting that the player would undergo scans upon returning to Melbourne. Cerra has a history of hamstring issues, having suffered multiple injuries in 2024, but managed to play 19 matches last year.
“Scans in the coming days just to assess the severity of his hamstring. We won’t know much more until then, but it appears it’s a hamstring injury,” Fraser told reporters.
Promising Signs Despite Setback
Despite Cerra’s injury, Carlton’s performance against Brisbane was commendable. The Blues secured a 15-point victory, overcoming a five-point deficit at three-quarter-time. Notable performances included 2024 draftee Jagga Smith, who stood out during the game.
Fraser praised the team’s ability to find rhythm after a slow start and highlighted the contributions of recruits Ben Ainsworth and Will Hayward, who combined for six goals. Their presence is expected to energize Carlton’s attack in the post-Charlie Curnow era.
“Both are terrific players,” Fraser said. “They both bring different things and different skillsets to the side. They’re multi-faceted, if you like.”
Looking Ahead
As Port Adelaide and Carlton navigate these challenges, the decisions made in the coming weeks will be pivotal for their 2026 AFL campaigns. Port Adelaide’s selection choices could shape the team’s competitive edge, while Carlton will be keen to ensure Cerra’s swift recovery to maintain momentum from their promising pre-season performance.
The AFL community will be closely watching how these developments unfold, with both clubs aiming to solidify their rosters and address injury concerns before the official season kicks off.
