"$1.03": Stephenson a "lock" to land Port Adelaide SSP spot

Former Collingwood and North Melbourne forward Jaidyn Stephenson is poised to land on an AFL list, with Port Adelaide incredibly likely to formalise his acquisition via SSP.

Stephenson officially retired from AFL football in 2024, having played 122 games across the two clubs.

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

After participating over the entire pre-season at the Power, 7News' Josh Money has confirmed that Port Adelaide 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."

Port Adelaide have also invited former Geelong midfielder Ted Clohesy to compete for a final spot, with the deadline set for February 20.