Young Adelaide midfielder Harry Schoenberg was thrown into the deep end against Port Adelaide’s reserves side on Saturday.

The Marrabel product was matched up on Port Adelaide ball magnet Tom Rockliff in the scratch match at Alberton Oval.

Development Manager Heath Younie said it was a deliberate decision by the coaches to give 19-year-old Schoenberg a chance to learn.

“Harry continues to make strides,” Younie said.

“We purposely put him on Rockliff for him to learn… it was a great opportunity for him and other young midfielders to play against a 200-game AFL player.

“What we saw out of Harry on Saturday were a couple of glimpses of what he can do.

“He showed what his strengths are as a player, such as his bursts of speed away from the contest.”

Adelaide’s more experienced players impressed against the Power, including veteran Bryce Gibbs and utility Riley Knight.

“Both Gibbs and Knight played at AFL level on the weekend,” Younie said.

“Their leadership and communication, as well as their footballing ability, was evident throughout the game.”