“Perplexing”: Port’s recruiting strategy questioned

Port Adelaide’s apparent desire to sign Jaidyn Stephenson is perplexing to club great Kane Cornes.

It was reported on SEN by Channel 7’s Josh Money on Wednesday that the former Collingwood and North Melbourne forward is “$1.03” to land a spot on Port’s list via the SSP.

Port have also invited former Geelong midfielder Ted Clohesy to compete for a list spot.

Throw in the off-season acquisitions of the likes of Jacob Wehr, Will Brodie and Corey Durdin, and the club's recruiting strategy has left Cornes scratching his head.

“I don’t know what their strategy is,” Cornes said on SEN Breakfast.

“To ignore the draft and top up with players who weren’t good enough to play at other clubs, it’s perplexing to me.

“Maybe they’ll play an important role - Wehr, Brodie, Durdin, Stephenson and Clohesy - but I would be shocked.

“It’s becoming home to the list clogger at Port Adelaide.”

Stephenson officially retired from AFL football in 2024, having played 122 games with the Magpies and Roos.

However, 12 months later, the former Rising Star's desire to return to the top level led him to a trial at Alberton.

After participating over the entire pre-season at the Power, Money reported that the Power are on the verge of confirming Stephenson's spot ahead of the 2026 season.

"He is about $1.03 favourite to earn one of those spots," Money told SEN Afternoons.

"He has been really impressive. Every player you talk to has said 'yep, he is definitely an AFL player. You can see why he was taken so high and why he won a Rising Star a few years ago'.

"They have all been really impressed with his application and his execution as well.

"He is just about a lock to get a list spot."

The SSP deadline is set for February 20.