Sport

Whitlock’s career-best outing nearly saves the day for Port as Brodie debuts

By Josh Huntly

Mar 31, 2026

Jack Whitlock (right) was in the thick of the action in round three of the AFL season. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett) Photo by JOEL CARRETT

A breakthrough performance from Shepparton product Jack Whitlock ultimately went in vain, but the rising Port Adelaide forward showed what he can deliver.

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The 19-year-old booted an equal-career-high three goals against West Coast in round three’s clash at Adelaide Oval, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Eagles pulling off an upset two-point victory.

He could only watch as Moama’s Jobe Shanahan pulled in a game-saving pack mark in Port’s forward half with less than a minute to play, sealing the home team’s fate and consigning them to a 1-2 start to the season.

However, with 10 disposals, and five marks to go with an accurate 3.1, Whitlock’s confident performance has him well-poised to make an impact as his side looks to climb back onto the winners’ list.

Meanwhile, another Shepparton export in Will Brodie finally got his opportunity to don the teal.

Brodie was named for his first AFL game in more than two years and was busy in his first top-level outing since making the move from Fremantle, collecting 18 disposals and three clearances.

Out at GMHBA Stadium, 2018 GVL flag winner Jordon Butts was at the centre of an AFL first after suffering a head knock during Adelaide’s one-goal loss to Geelong on Thursday evening.

While initially cleared to continue playing by club doctors, the AFL Review System (ARC) reportedly intervened to help bring the 26-year-old off the field as part of the Mandatory Permanent Removal Process.

Butts then undertook a Head Injury Assessment and was cleared before reporting concussion symptoms on Sunday to the Crows medical team.

“Following the head clash, our medical team removed Jordon from the field to undertake a HIA, which Jordon passed,” Crows Head of Football Adam Kelly said.

“The AFL Review Centre (ARC) classified the incident as a discretionary review and our medical team chose to assess him on the bench.

“He displayed no symptoms the day after the game, but unfortunately on Sunday this had changed and that led to a diagnosis of delayed concussion.

“Jordon’s health and wellbeing is of paramount importance, and we stringently adhere to the AFL’s concussion protocols, which mean that he will miss at least the next two games and will continue to be assessed.”

Meanwhile, Mooroopna export Jy Simpkin was busy in North Melbourne’s victory 12-point victory over Essendon, the former skipper racking up 22 possessions and seven marks.