From The Age
Reported by Brent Diamond
Full Story Click Here
PORT Melbourne defender Jarrod Dalton has his sights set on following in the footsteps of other mature-age defenders from the VFL, including Peter Faulks and Alex Silvagni, in snaring an AFL rookie spot at the end of the season.
Dalton, a tough competitor with a penetrating right boot, is one of several Port players who may be a target of AFL recruiters at season's end following the Boroughs' blistering start to the season.
The 24-year-old had attracted interest from Geelong last season after being invited to a state screening session - but was overlooked and has since worked harder on his fitness to become one of the most dangerous defenders in the league.
"Jarrod is a really important player for us and his ability this year to be more creative - not only keeping his opponent subdued but then also to getting possessions and attacking and running off the opposition - has become extremely important in the back half," Port coach Gary Ayres said.
Ayres said Dalton, who is likely to line-up on Geelong's Cameron Mooney today at TEAC Oval, and fellow defender Sam Pleming complemented each other with their ability to run off their opponents.
Former Western Bulldog Malcolm Lynch headlines a swag of midfielders from Port likely to come under AFL consideration for next season.
