Port Adelaide secures

protector In the waning stages of the 2023 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has touched down at Alberton.

In a transaction that sees winger Xavier Duursma move to Essendon in exchange for pick 73 and two future fourth round choices, connected to Essendon and Carlton, PORT ADELAIDE has acquired defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.

With the 66th pick in the 2017 National Draft, the Bombers selected the 195-cm backman, who has since participated in 51 AFL games, including 22 this season.

Zerk-Thatcher, 25, recorded a career-high 15 spoils against Sydney in Round 20, and he averaged 12 disposals a game in 2023—his most consistent season

to yet.

The trade sees Zerk-Thatcher return to South Australia where he grew up playing for the Imperial Football Club in Murray Bridge and for Sturt in the SANFL’s underage programs.

“We identified a need for tall defenders in our backline and we are excited to bring Brandon to the club because he fills that need,” said List Manager Jason Cripps.

“He is athletic for his size and has developed a consistency to his game over the last 12 months.

“He now has a good body of work at AFL level to build on and we look forward to welcoming him to the club officially when pre-season starts next month.”

Zerk-Thatcher joins Esava Ratugolea, Jordan Sweet and Ivan Soldo who were all welcomed by Port Adelaide on the final day of the AFL Continental Tyres Trade Period.

Cripps thanked departing Duursma for his contribution to Port Adelaide.

“Xavier has been a fine contributor to our club since being drafted in 2018,” Cripps said.

“His battles with injury have been well documented across the last couple of seasons which have impacted his performance with us.

“He’s a great person and we wish him well for the next phase of his career.”

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher

DOB: 25/08/98

Height: 195cm

Weight: 91kg

Debut: Round 22 2019

Drafted: With pick 66 in the 2017 rookie draft from Sturt (SANFL) / Imperial Murray Bridge

AFL games: 51 (22 in 2023)

AFL goals: 0 (0 in 2023)