From Leader Group Newspapers - localfooty.com.au
Reported by Paul Amy
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PORT Melbourne has done a lot of talking to prospective recruits. Last week it was time to lock in a few.
Delisted Carlton onballer Adam Bentick is the most notable of the newcomers, bringing to TEAC Oval the experience of 68 AFL games between 2004 and 2008.
Injury wrecked his 2009, but he did finish the year with some strong performances for the Northern Bullants.
Port coach Gary Ayres said Bentick was perhaps a victim of the Blues' rich midfield stocks, headed by Chris Judd.
``There's no doubt he played some very good senior football for them, and maybe he's stiff to not still be there,'' he said.
``I rate him as a very good inside player. He's also a young man with terrific character, a quality person. They're the type of players you want coming in to your football club.''
Bentick has nominated for the pre-season draft.
Former Hawthorn rookie Hugh Sandilands, a key defender, has joined Port from Box Hill and 201cm Collingwood VFL-lister Callum Sinclair and Frankston key forward Michael Lourey are also putting down roots at TEAC Oval.
Lourey hasn't signed, but has told other clubs he's commited to the Boroughs. A powerful left-footer, he kicked 40-odd goals in 2008 but fell out of senior favour under Shannon Grant this year.
Sinclair, a forward and ruckman, is the son of ex-Fitzroy player Allan Sinclair, who had a stint at Port Melbourne.
Ruckman Patrick McMahon (Oakleigh Chargers), half-back/midfielder Mitch Woods (Oakleigh Chargers) and onballer Matthew Smith (Bendigo Pioneers) are from the TAC Cup.
But as one Matthew Smith arrives, another leaves. Port's versatile key position player has stepped away from the VFL, unable to find the time after a promotion at KPMG.
Adrian ``Arch'' Deluca has also retired.
