Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes has listed three midfielders he thinks his former club should target to address an “area of significant importance”.
Cornes has long held concerns with the Power’s midfield, believing they were two on-ballers short going into the season.
Port Adelaide were quiet during last year’s trade period, opting not to bring in midfield reinforcements on top of forward recruit Jeremy Finlayson.
According to Cornes, GWS stars Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto and Western Bulldogs premiership player Josh Dunkley are three midfielders Port should be looking at.
Hopper is contracted until the end of 2023, while Taranto and Dunkley both fall out of contract at season’s end.
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“There’s three mids I reckon Port should go for,” Cornes told SEN SA Breakfast.
“One’s Hopper from the Giants, hasn’t played much at all this year because of injury.
“Then there’s Taranto. I’m not sure if you’re going to get Taranto because he’ll get massive offers from Victoria where he’s from, but you’d definitely have a crack at him.
“I’m coming around to the idea of Dunkley, just because there’s not many out there.
“He’s not only a midfielder, but he gives you some versatility – can ruck, can go forward, not super polished.
“There’s three midfielders that Port Adelaide need to go for.
“We know Karl Amon is probably leaving and it’s an area of significant importance that they need to target in the off-season.”
Taranto and Dunkley aren’t eligible for free agency, meaning a trade would have to take place if they were to move clubs.
Gun Giant Taranto is averaging a tick under 27 disposals and 4.2 clearances per game this year.
Dunkley has also been prolific, averaging 26.3 touches, 6.1 tackles and just under a goal a match for the Dogs in 2022.
Hopper hasn’t played since Round 1 due to a knee injury.