Port Adelaide Secures Mitch Zadow Following Standout Pre-Season
Former East Fremantle forward Mitch Zadow has officially inked a deal with Port Adelaide, joining the AFL club after an impressive pre-season training stint that showcased his potential. The Power announced the signing of the 21-year-old on Monday, confirming his place on their roster following months of dedicated effort.
Zadow's Journey to the AFL
Zadow, who had been training with Port Adelaide since December, earned his spot by outperforming former Collingwood and North Melbourne utility Jaidyn Stephenson for one of the club's available list positions. His signing comes alongside that of 19-year-old defender Balyn O'Brien, bolstering Port Adelaide's squad ahead of the new season.
Port Adelaide's list manager Jason Cripps praised Zadow's commitment, stating, "He has worked really hard to earn this opportunity." Cripps highlighted Zadow's skills, noting, "He is a very clean ball handler below his knees and has hit the scoreboard on a consistent basis, displaying a combination of power and work rate in the front half. He shows strong defensive intent and hunts the opposition when the ball spills or on turnover."
Impressive WAFL Performances
Zadow's rise to the AFL follows a breakout 2025 WAFL season with East Fremantle, where he kicked 18 goals across 14 games. Notably, he scored multiple goals in five of his final seven matches for the Sharks, demonstrating his scoring prowess and consistency. Although his season was interrupted by injury towards the end, he returned to play in the elimination final against Perth, kicking two goals in a 29-point defeat.
Prior to last year, Zadow was not a regular feature in East Fremantle's league side, making his recent achievements all the more remarkable. His ability to seize opportunities and deliver under pressure has been key to his development as a player.
Upcoming Opportunities and League Moves
Zadow's first chance to represent Port Adelaide will come in a pre-season game against West Coast in Perth on Sunday, offering him a platform to prove his worth on the field. This match is part of the lead-up to the supplemental selection period deadline on March 2, a critical time for clubs to finalize their rosters.
In other AFL news, former Peel Thunder forward Wade Derksen has signed with Carlton ahead of the deadline. Derksen, who was taken by GWS in the 2022 mid-season draft but was delisted without playing a game for the Giants, now looks to revive his career with the Blues. This move underscores the competitive nature of the supplemental selection period, where players like Zadow and Derksen strive to secure their spots in the league.
As the AFL season approaches, Port Adelaide's acquisition of Mitch Zadow adds depth and talent to their forward line, with fans eagerly anticipating his contributions. His journey from the WAFL to the AFL serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of perseverance and hard work in achieving professional goals.
