Port dealt huge pre-season blow as key forward goes down with Achilles rupture

Port Adelaide have been dealt a huge pre-season blow with key forward Todd Marshall suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon at training on Monday.

The 26-year-old will undergo surgery this week with a timeline for his return to play to become clearer after the operation.

Port Adelaide head of medical services Tim O’Leary says the club is shattered for the tall forward.

"We are shattered for Todd," O'Leary said via a statement.

"We will put plenty of support behind Todd and we know he will approach his rehab with the same positive attitude and resilience that he has shown throughout his career.”

Marshall is now in serious danger of missing the entire 2025 campaign given AFL players often take six to 12 months to recover from an Achilles rupture.

Port Adelaide will need to look towards the likes of Josh Lukosius, Ollie Lord and Jeremy Finlayson as tall options to start the season given Charlie Dixon retired at the end of the 2024 season.

The Power begin their home and away campaign with a Round 1 clash against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, March 15.