2009 season:
Playing in a more permanent forward role in 2009, Porplyzia was able to complete a full season without the shoulder problems that plagued him in 2008. His goal kicking at the start of the season was flawless; he kicked 16 goals straight before registering his first behind. He finished the year with 57 goals to lead Adelaide’s goal kicking. Porplyzia was again influential in a number of Adelaide’s games including a match winning four goals and 15 possessions in the come from behind win against Sydney in round 13. He also kicked five goals against Fremantle in round 15 and six against West Coast in round 21. He achieved his highest finish in the club champion, only two votes behind winner Bernie Vince. Porplyzia also earned his first All-Australian nomination as a forward but unfortunately did not make the final 22. Coach Neil Craig believes Porplyzia is developing into one of the elite players of the competition. “I’ve got a really high regard for Jason, not only because of his skill and his capacity to kick goals and execute, but his decision-making is also exceptional. And you saw last year (through him playing with a shoulder injury) what he can do from a mentality point of view,” Craig said. “Jason will develop into an elite AFL player, there’s no doubt in my mind because he’s got a great attitude and he’s mature for his age.”

David Noble’s 2009 review:
“I was rapt Jason was able to put together a full year without getting injured, so he could put on display what he’s capable of doing. He’s still got more to give and we could use him in the midfield. He was covering ground from half-forward to half-back as good as I’ve seen him do since I came to the club. Jason was nominated for the All-Australian team and just had an outstanding year.”

Career:
Porplyzia was first drafted by the club in 2002 as a rookie but he failed to impress in his first year with Adelaide and the club delisted him. He returned to West Adelaide and showed a lot of improvement and won West Adelaide’s Best and Fairest in 2005. The Crows showed faith in him again in the 2005 NAB Pre-season Draft. He kicked three goals on debut against the Western Bulldogs and played 11 games in his first year. He continued to impress in 2007 playing 15 games and kicking 15 goals but 2008 was his breakout season. He booted 32 goals in 18 games, including a match-winning bag of five against the Swans in round 17. Porplyzia’s shoulder became a nuisance in the latter half of season 2008, continually popping in and out of the socket during games and even at training. The 23-year-old battled through the pain to play a significant role in getting the Crows to the finals.