Do we look to pick up Jack's twin in a year or so? Might help to retain Jack Whitlock and Joe Berry from the inevitable go-home factor, while also providing a replacement for Aliir and Rategolea when their time does come. Considering he isn't getting a game for North of all teams, he might become cheaper than the pick 27 they used to draft him.
I feel like Port Adelaide player numbers have always had a certain symbolism (e.g, father-son selections, Robbie Gray scouting Zak and more or less making him his successor). I have started to wonder, if Zak heads back to Victoria, who gets the number 9 next?
Out of our current list, I would nominate JHF (if he doesnt get the #1 in a few years), Berry as sort of a like-for-like with Gray, Butters, and Carr, and maybe at a stretch Lachie Jones for that sort of heart and soul player.
It could go to a big-name player from another club, specifically NWM, Tom Sparrow, or a player from the Zak Butters trade (e.g. Ryley Sanders or Joel Freijah)
My bet, however, is probably for one of the upcoming draftees. The obvious choice being Dougie Cochrane, but i could equally see us waiting a year to give it to Pilot, Salopek, or Rodan, assuming we get them all.
Number 10 also sits vacant, meaning someone who misses out on 9 could inherit Boaky's number.
Something to think about at least.