Ivan Soldo is not your average ruckman, he played a key role in Richmond’s 2019 premiership success. After a dissatisfying term at Port Adelaide he is said to have made it clear that he wishes a quick return to Victoria. Soldo enjoyed a career-best season, attracting media attention by playing in all 19 games. In fact, his time at Port has been more frustrating because he’s had few opportunities.
Soldo’s decision to join Port Adelaide was expected to improve his future career opportunities. The reality proved starkly different. This year was limited even further, as he played just once this season for the Power. Now, he’s looking forward to making a new home, hopefully nearer to his home state of Michigan.
The ruckman’s dissatisfaction stems from feeling sidelined and not being able to contribute to the team as he had hoped. Soldo has just one year remaining on his contract with Port Adelaide. He’s clearly looking for a new beginning and has made it known that he’s open to any club that wants him.
Kane Cornes, a former player, now as a media commentator. He didn’t mince words when it came to judging Soldo’s tenure at Port. He labeled Soldo as “the worst recruit Port Adelaide have ever had,” further highlighting the challenges the ruckman faced within the club.
Soldo’s predicament could open some canary-in-the-coal-mine-type waters across the trade market. He intends to use Port’s pick 37 as bait to trade for one. This savvy political move would leave him better positioned come 2024. Most importantly, it is intended to make Port Adelaide’s list better as they head towards the 2024 season.
Soldo’s new Port coach, Josh Carr, was an assistant at Fremantle in 2022. Supporters hoped that their reunion at Port would invigorate Soldo’s game. Alas, that connection didn’t yield the breakout season for Minshew that he and fans had hoped.
Meanwhile, on the larger trade front, Justin Reid remains hopeful. As his club’s player development czar, he imagines that he makes it possible to attract the most exciting new talent to his club. He stated, “We want to strike a deal that’s fair for all parties,” reflecting the complexities of trade negotiations that often involve multiple stakeholders.
Soldo is eager to see what could come next in Victoria. That soon an NFL team will recognize his skill and accept his wish to usher in this sea change. This eagerness to return home may resonate with clubs looking for experienced players who can make a difference on the field.
