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West Coast vs Port Adelaide AFL Community Shield Preview 2026

james-smith
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Last updated: Sat 28 Feb 2026 11:37

West Coast and Port Adelaide collide at Mineral Resources Park in a pivotal AFL Community Shield match. Both teams are navigating injuries, opening doors for depth players to shine. West Coast focuses on a midfield-driven rebuild, emphasizing defense and ball movement, while Port Adelaide sharpens their attacking and defensive strategies. Star performers and newcomers alike will strive to impress ahead of the Opening Round, making this clash a crucial rehearsal. The match promises excitement as both teams present youthful line-ups, aiming for cohesion and competitiveness.

James Smith 28 Feb 2026
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  • West Coast vs Port Adelaide Preview
  • West Coast and Port Adelaide meet in AFL Community Shield match.
  • Both teams deal with injuries, allowing opportunities for younger players.
  • Key focus: team cohesion, defensive strategies, and standout performances.
Expired
Zak Butters
West Coast vs Port Adelaide (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

West Coast vs Port Adelaide Preview


West Coast host Port Adelaide at Mineral Resources Park in a Sunday AFL Community Shield clash. 

Both sides are managing injuries and workload, creating opportunities for depth players to impress. The match provides a final structured rehearsal before Opening Round.

West Coast


West Coast enter 2026 focused on steady progression and greater competitiveness after a challenging period. The midfield remains the heartbeat of their rebuild, with Harley Reid and Elliot Yeo central to contest presence and forward drive. 

Building defensive resilience has been a clear pre season objective, particularly with several experienced names unavailable.

In this match, responsibility falls to younger defenders and emerging midfielders to maintain structure under pressure. Jake Waterman leads the forward line, offering a reliable target inside 50. 

The Eagles will be seeking cohesion and improved ball movement as they continue shaping their identity.

West Coast Squad


B: T.Cole 28 H.Edwards 42 S.Brock 41
HB: J.Lindsay 5 T.Young 20 L.Baker - C 3
C: W.Duursma 1 E.Yeo 6 D.Robertson 40
HF: J.Cripps 15 J.Shanahan 35 J.Newton 46
F: H.Schoenberg 48 J.Waterman 2 A.Reid 22
Foll: M.Flynn 25 H.Reid 9 T.McCarthy 18
I/C: R.Maric 23 F.Macrae 45 C.Duff-Tytler 21 M.Owies 16 H.Davis 38 L.Grego 31 H.Barnett 30 T.Williams 36

Emerg: B.Allan 26 C.Hall 29 R.Bazzo 33 J.Williams 34

Notable absentees: Liam Duggan, Tim Kelly, Jack Graham, Brandon Starcevich, Bailey Williams, Brady Hough, Reuben Ginbey, Tyler Brockman

Port Adelaide


Port Adelaide head into 2026 aiming to sharpen their midfield dominance and forward efficiency. Zak Butters and Connor Rozee remain central to their contested and transition game, while Mitch Georgiades provides aerial presence inside 50. 

Squad balance and depth have been ongoing themes throughout their preparation.

With several experienced contributors unavailable, this line up gives younger players a chance to reinforce their claims. Defensive organisation and midfield connection will be key focus areas in this fixture. 

The Power will be looking to execute their high pressure style while maintaining structural discipline.

Port Adelaide Squad


B: T.Marshall 4 H.Ramm 32 A.Aliir 21
HB: K.Farrell 6 L.Jones 34 L.Evans 22
C: E.Mackinlay 31 W.Drew 28 J.Wehr 15
HF: J.Berry 5 J.Richards 35 D.Byrne-Jones 33
F: J.Whitlock 17 M.Georgiades 19 O.Lord 30
Foll: D.Visentini 38 C.Rozee - C 1 Z.Butters 9
I/C: J.Burgoyne 7 C.Durdin 44 J.Mead 3 J.Watkins 37 J.Horne-Francis 18 W.Lorenz 36 M.Zadow 39 E.Ratugolea 27

Emerg: W.Brodie 23 C.Moraes 11 J.Sweet 24

Notable absentees: Ollie Wines, Sam Powell-Pepper, Jack Lukosius, Miles Bergman, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Ivan Soldo, Will Brodie, Jordon Sweet

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