Sharks forward, ex-Peel utility earn AFL rookie gigs

Mitch Zadow has become the latest AFL player from Western Australia after earning a spot on Port Adelaide’s list through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP).

The 21-year-old was rewarded for a strong pre-season at Alberton Oval with a rookie gig for 2026, with fellow East Fremantle product and Power senior coach Josh Carr fittingly breaking the news to him in front of the playing group on Monday.

“Mitch is a 21-year-old who we monitored in the back half of last year when his footy with East Fremantle really grew,” Port Adelaide list manager Jason Cripps said.

“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.”

 

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Carr praised Zadow on his work ethic over the summer and bouncing back from a pre-season setback to impress on the track over the past few weeks.

The Sharks goalsneak was on Port Adelaide’s radar after a breakout WAFL season in 2025.

Zadow booted 18 goals in 14 senior appearances last season including a dozen in his last six games.

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He wasn’t the only familiar name to the WAFL earning a list spot this week with former Peel Thunder utility Wade Derksen getting a lifeline at Carlton.

Derksen was drafted from the Thunder in the 2022 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, spending three-and-a-half seasons at Greater Western Sydney before getting cut at the end of last season.

He had originally signed for the Blues’ VFL side for 2026 but impressed enough on the track to secure a second chance in the AFL.

“Wade has shown significant development over the past few seasons. His versatility, athleticism and work rate stood out throughout this pre-season, and we believe he has the attributes to add real value to our squad,” Carlton list boss Nick Austin said.