The Bears product has been given the tap to replace Port Adelaide key forward Jack Lukosius for the Power’s clash against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday.
Lukosius sustained a calf strain in the final quarter against Adelaide on Saturday, leaving the door wide open for Whitlock to walk through and announce himself to the AFL stage.
Whitlock was taken at pick 33 by Port Adelaide in the 2024 AFL Draft, following his twin brother Matt, who was selected at pick 27 by North Melbourne and debuted in April.
Whitlock has been busy building a case for an AFL debut in the SANFL this season and, after an impressive run of games for Port Adelaide’s affiliated side, coach Ken Hinkley spoke about the young tall’s chances of featuring in the Geelong match.
“Now is a great time to have that conversation," Hinkley said.
“We look at the upside versus the downside ... the upside might get in front. They (Whitlock and fellow prospect Harrison Ramm) have played really good footy in the SANFL in recent weeks.”
Whitlock has kicked 16 goals in 14 matches in the SANFL this season, continuing on from an electric draft year campaign for Murray Bushrangers.
The 200cm forward booted 25 majors for the Bushies in 2024, as well as featuring four times for Victoria Country.
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