Port Adelaide coach Joss Carr says growing praise for Jack Whitlock's emergence as a forward force is well justified.
The 19-year-old from Shepparton has earnt the AFL's latest Rising Star nomination, wider acknowledgement for what Carr has witnessed first-hand.
"He's been huge this year, a second-year player," Carr said.
"A lot has fallen on his shoulders as a key-position player at this level, and he just seems to find improvement week to week."
Whitlock, who played four games last year and all eight this season, will again partner Mitch Georgiades in deep attack when the Power host the Western Bulldogs on Friday night at Adelaide Oval.
While Georgiades' marking prowess is renowned, his 200cm younger teammate is also making aerial imprints.
"He's always open to growth and learning," Carr said of Whitlock, pick 33 at the 2024 draft.
"And it's nice to see him get rewarded for his year.
"He just shows glimpses each week that he's going to be a good player for us for a long time."
While star attraction Georgiades has kicked 21.18 from eight games this season, the unheralded Corey Durdin is next-best for the Power with 14 goals, followed by Jason Horne-Francis (11) and Whitlock (10).
South Australian Durdin spent five seasons at Carlton before crossing to the Power, where he is averaging a career-best goal average (1.75).
"Sometimes he might not get a lot of the footy, but he brings defensive pressure," Carr said of the 72-gamer.
."He brings some leadership in amongst that group, a calmness ... he definitely plays his role well and has great energy within the group."
The Dogs swung four changes for Friday's match, dropping Sam Davidson, Louis Emmett and Josh Dolan, while Laitham Vandermeer (Achilles) was unavailable.
Connor Budarick, Oskar Baker, Lachlan Smith and Cooper Hynes return, while the Power axed Todd Marshall for Jack Watkins.
