Port Adelaide has concluded a busy AFL trade period as they prepare for a title challenge, landing long-term target Esava Ratugolea and three other recruits late on deadline day.
Ivan Soldo (Richmond) and Jordon Sweet (Western Bulldogs) both left rival clubs to join the Power, who also added crucial defenders Ratugolea (Geelong) and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher (Essendon).
The foursome was among over a dozen players who found new homes on Wednesday.
However, the No. 1 draft pick is still owned by West Coast and desired by rivals looking to sign adolescent phenom Harley Reid.
Pick exchanges are still possible until draft night on November 20.
Following this year’s straight-sets finals defeat, Port Adelaide’s additions will enhance their flag bid in 2024 under re-signed coach Ken Hinkley.
“I don’t think your list is ever finalised … but there’s no doubt that bringing in two rucks and two key backs will fill needs that we had towards the end of this year that were exposed when the games got big,” Chris Davies, the head of football for the Power, said.
“We do feel like we’re going to be better in 2024.”
Port’s perseverance paid off when they successfully landed Ratugolea on the second attempt.
He was under contract last year, but Geelong, who had previously stated that they would drive a hard bargain for the versatile giant, eventually surrendered this season.
In the deal, Port gave up selections 25, 76, and 94.
Ratugolea will play defense alongside Zerk-Thatcher, who received his trade request in the final few minutes before the trade deadline on Wednesday night.
Essendon had offered Zerk-Thatcher a three-year contract, but he was insistent about joining the Power.
The AFL approved the transaction following the teams’ paperwork deadline, which included Xavier Duursma joining the Bombers.
Essendon also surrendered pick 73 as well as two future fourth-round picks.
“We came in having four players having committed to our club very early on, we felt like we were going to be able to achieve it,” said Davies.
“Clearly it took a bit longer than what we had hoped but we’re really pleased to leave the period with the four players.”
On the penultimate day of the trade period, rebuilding Hawthorn were also highly involved, completing a deal to sign Collingwood premiership livewire Jack Ginnivan.
Mabior Chol (Gold Coast) and returning veteran Jack Gunston (Brisbane) will join the Hawks’ restructured forward line.
Brandon Ryan was dealt to the Lions in exchange for draft picks in the Gunston transaction, but fellow forward Jacob Koschitzke got his desire when the Hawks traded him to Richmond.
Hawthorn completed their business just minutes before the buzzer by exchanging pick 61 and a potential fourth-round selection to Essendon for Massimo D’Ambrosio.
Four former top-10 draft picks had their trade requests granted earlier on deadline day.
Paddy Dow transferred from Carlton to St Kilda, while Nick Coffield joined the Bulldogs from the Saints.
Elijah Hollands was traded to the Blues by the Gold Coast, where he will play alongside brother Ollie, while Jack Billings left St Kilda for Melbourne.
Billings was acquired by Melbourne in exchange for a future third-round choice from the Saints, who will allegedly continue to pay a portion of the midfielder’s contract.
St Kilda were also interested in Dylan Shiel, but Essendon stayed firm on the seasoned midfielder despite competition from many clubs.
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