Port Power secures Soldo in blockbuster trade, shaking up reigning AFL draft picks

Done deal: Five picks change hands as Soldo lands at Port Adelaide

RICHMOND premiership player Ivan Soldo has been traded to Port Adelaide, where he will lead the Power’s ruck department next season. The trade involved the exchange of five picks between the two clubs.

Ivan Soldo, who has played 57 games for the Tigers since joining in 2014 and was part of their 2019 Grand Final win, expressed an interest in a trade after playing only eight games in the 2023 season. He had been linked to a move to Greater Western Sydney last year, but it never materialized.

In exchange for Soldo, Port Adelaide will give up picks 41 and 49, a future second-round pick tied to Fremantle, and their own future fourth-round pick. Richmond, in addition to Soldo, will receive Port Adelaide’s pick 50.

The implications for Port Adelaide’s ruck department

With the addition of Ivan Soldo, Port Adelaide hopes to strengthen their ruck division and create a more competitive lineup heading into the 2024 season. Soldo brings valuable experience, having been part of Richmond’s successful premiership campaign in 2019.

Jamie Cripps, Port Adelaide’s list manager, expressed his confidence in Soldo‘s abilities, stating that Soldo‘s aggression, competitiveness, and character will add significant value to the team’s playing group. Soldo will work alongside Port Adelaide’s elite midfield group, aiming to establish himself as the number one ruck for the Power.

Editorial: An Opportunity for Ivan Soldo

The trade to Port Adelaide presents Ivan Soldo with a new opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially establish himself as a top-tier ruckman in the AFL. Throughout his tenure at Richmond, Soldo has played second fiddle to Tigers co-captain Toby Nankervis. Limited to a maximum of 14 games in a single season, Soldo has not had the chance to fully demonstrate his potential.

With the Power, Soldo will have the chance to step out of Nankervis’ shadow and take on a more prominent role in the team. This move could be the turning point in Soldo‘s career, as he looks to prove that he is capable of being a dominant force in the ruck division.

Advice to Port Adelaide and Richmond

For Port Adelaide, the acquisition of Ivan Soldo provides a much-needed boost to their ruck stocks. Soldo‘s experience, aggression, and competitive nature will complement the team’s midfield group, allowing for better synergy on the field. However, it will be crucial for Port Adelaide to manage Soldo‘s workload and provide ample support to ensure his longevity and effectiveness for the season.

As for Richmond, the trade allows them to acquire an additional draft pick (pick 50) in exchange for Soldo. This pick can potentially be used to recruit emerging talent in the upcoming draft, strengthening their overall squad depth. The Tigers will need to assess their ruck department and identify suitable replacements or understudies for Nankervis going forward.

Both clubs should carefully monitor the development of the trade and evaluate its success in the long run. The value that Soldo brings to Port Adelaide and the benefit of an additional draft pick for Richmond should be regularly assessed to ensure optimal outcomes for both teams.