Can Port recover from 2007 Grand Final Nightmare?
In what was the greatest turnaround in the history of the Port Adelaide Football Club the Power finished 2nd in 2007 and climbed 10 spots from 2006 where it finished 12th. They won 11 of the last 12 games meaning they secured a home Preliminary Final and has history would have it a Grand Final berth. Where they were well and truly THUMPED by a rampant Geelong side. Let’s take a look now at who has left and arrived at Alberton this year:
ADDITIONS:
NAB AFL Draft: Mitchell Farmer (Calder Cannons), Matthew Lobbe (Eastern Ranges), Marlon Motlop (Wanderers), Matthew Westhoff (Central District)
DELETIONS:
Retired: Josh Mahoney, Darryl Wakelin
Exchange period – traded: Brad Symes (Adelaide)
Delisted: Ryan Willits (second list lodgement), Nathan Batsanis (rookie), Peter Hardy (rookie), Alex Lee (rookie)
Crash and Bash
Well Mark Williams has said that January’s training will be “Crash and Bash” training showing that the Power mean business in 2008, as they try to extract some revenge on other AFL Clubs after their extremely disappointing showing in the 2007 Grand Final.
The Port Adelaide side play a free flowing style of game which enables them to kick big scores, as indicated by the fact they were second only to Geelong in points scored per game. But at the other end of the scale and area for concern is their tackle count, maybe this style of play does not lend itself to high tackling rates (13th in tackles in 2007), but when you look at a side like Geelong as the bench mark they too play a free flowing game yet seem to be able to put the kind of pressure on that is required to enhance their style of play and it is an area that the Power need to improve on if they are to go one better in 2008.
Dominant Ruckmen
The Power’s Ruckmen had the better of their opposition on most occasions last year with Brendan Lade doing the bulk of the work and for a big man to play all 22 games during the year went along way to Port Adelaide’s success. I think Dean Brogan can improve a bit so he can give Lade a better chop out during the course of the game because it seems Lade spends most of his time in the Ruck. With the Cornes brothers running rampant through the midfield they would love to get first use of the ball more often than not. Kane Cornes was the leading possession getter in the AFL in 2007 and from all reports is flying during pre season and looks set to back up his All Australian form with another stellar year. Brother in Arms Chad who was pre Brownlow Medal favourite will probably not want to let Kane get all the attention and will lift his game to another level as well in 2008. An ominous sign for opposition onballers.
Some argue that the youngsters at Port Adelaide are the best of any club in the AFL and with the likes of Justin Westhoff, Robbie Gray and Travis Boak all earning NAB AFL Rising Star nominations who could argue? While another new addition to the list, unwanted Tiger David Rodan quickly became recruit of the year in 2007. The Power’s middle tier players, including the likes of Jacob Surjan, Steve Salopek, Troy Chaplin, Michael Pettigrew, Danyle Pearce and Brett Ebert, stepped up a level and became consistent contributors. Port will need these players to back up their impressive 2007 if the Power are once again going to be premiership contenders.
Trederea on Fire
Warren Tredrea will be like a new recruit I reckon, he is apparently relishing the opportunity to complete a full pre season, he is that far in front of
where he was this time last year that Mark Williams has indicated that he is set for an outstanding year. Although he might not get to the heights of a few years ago he will be no doubt doing all the hard tough team things that everyone a Port Adelaide know he does on a week in week out basis.
With the retirement of Wakelin and the long term injury to Michael Wilson the Power looses some much needed experience in defence and the word is that Alipate Carlile will replace Wakelin down at full back. Troy Chaplin is the other youngster that will need to step up in defence, he along with Peter Burgoyne were the catalysts in defence last year and provided a tom of run from defence.
An Achilles heal for the Power, as I eluded to before, is I don’t reckon they are all that defensive. Players like the Burgoyne brothers and Chad Cornes I don’t see paying their opponents as much respect as I reckon they should. Clubs do notice this and tend to play good players on them that can hurt them when the Power doesn’t have the footy.
The Port Adelaide Football club is an extremely proud club and their showing in the Grand Final last year will not sit that well with coach Mark Williams and there is no doubt in my mind they will come out breathing fire in Round 1 2008. I will end this post with a quote that sums up what I am talking about from Mark Williams:
“Port Adelaide has never and will never accept second best, so we’ve certainly got some work to do. Be assured the drive, persistence and determination of this group will lead us to even greater heights.”
I think the Power are good enough to finish in the top 4 in 2008 as long as the middle tier of players and the now 2nd and 3rd year player can replicate their outstanding form in 2007.
Ladder Position: 4
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If you would like to read the other clubs previews then visit the Articles Page for a list of the clubs that have already been posted.
