Former St Kilda forward Isaac Keeler has been seen training with the Port Adelaide Football Club, sparking talk about his next move in the AFL. At 22, Keeler is looking for a fresh start after being delisted by the Saints. The sighting comes just weeks before the pre‑season begins.
Key Takeaways
- Isaac Keeler was delisted by St Kilda after 13 games.
- He is training with Port Adelaide and may join as a Category B rookie.
- Port Adelaide is also eyeing top draft pick Dougie Cochrane for the future.
Keeler played 13 games over four seasons with St Kilda before the club cut ties with him. After the delisting, he returned home to South Australia, where he quickly linked up with a small group of Power players at the club’s headquarters.This early training session gives him a head start on the upcoming pre‑season schedule.
Port Adelaide’s list manager Jason Cripps confirmed that the club is exploring ways to bring Keeler onto the list. The new Category B rookie rule for Indigenous players means the club could add Keeler without using a standard list spot. This rule offers a low‑cost path for clubs to develop talent that might have been missed in the draft.
“We’ve had some conversations with Isaac and his management group,” Cripps told SEN. “He’s been delisted by St Kilda, but there’s a new rule around the Category B Rookie spot. We’re investigating that further and what that may look like with Isaac.”
While Keeler’s future is still uncertain, his presence at the Power’s training ground shows his commitment to earn a spot. He is known for his ability to play as a key forward and also pinch‑hit in the ruck when needed. The club’s willingness to consider him highlights their focus on adding depth to the forward line.
Port Adelaide is also keeping an eye on the upcoming draft, with top prospect Dougie Cochrane expected to join the Power as a potential No. 1 pick. The club does not own the pick but has enough points to match any bid, showing they are building for both the short and long term. For more AFL news, check out the recent story on Eric Bauza’s passing and read about workplace trends in the article Gen Z Stare in the Workplace.
Keeler’s training stint could be the first step toward a new chapter in his AFL career. If he secures a Category B rookie contract, he will have the chance to prove himself in the senior squad and possibly earn a regular spot. Fans will be watching closely as the pre‑season unfolds, hoping to see the young forward make his mark at Port Adelaide.
