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Port Adelaide exceeded expectations in 2014

Roar Guru
23rd September, 2014
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Roar Guru
23rd September, 2014
24

Many thought the Power would struggle to stay in the September race in 2014.

They exceeded my own expectations as they finished fifth after the home-and-away season then moved to third by the end of the finals. I had the team from Alberton finishing seventh.

It was polar-opposite seasons for John Butcher and Aaron Young. Butcher played the first three games of the season but could not hold a spot in Hinkley’s side. He ended up being the main forward option for the Port Adelaide Magpies but consistency was an issue for him.

With the likes of Mason Shaw and Mitch Harvey moving up the ranks, Butcher could be used as trade bait this October due to yet again, another disappointing season.

Aaron Young played a career high 14 AFL games this season, various matches as a substitute. His efforts at AFL level and consistency in the twos saw him sign a contract extension in June to stay at least until the end of 2016.

Justin Westhoff’s season wasn’t inspiring as last year but he still proved his value to Hinkley’s side.

Hamish Hartlett’s body held up and managed to dodge the tag for majority of the season, I expect him to come third in Port Adelaide’s best and fairest count.

Travis Boak continued to shine, but 2013 All Australian Chad Wingard went missing especially during Port Adelaide’s lean patch.

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I was expecting Andrew Moore to have a breakout season but his big body wasn’t needed until the end of the season when a spot opened up for him once former captain Domenic Cassisi retired.

Cameron O’Shea looked prepared for have a big year, but he didn’t cement a spot in the side until Alipate Carlile and Jackson Trengove fell to injuries.

Like the club, Jay Schulz also exceeded expectations by kicking 66 goals.

Fan favourites Kane Mitchell and Jake Neade broke into the Ken Hinkley’s team during different stages of the season. Mitchell played in eight consecutive games from Rounds 10 to 17. Neade fast tracked the ‘second-year blues’ and proved to be a livewire playing a role in Port Adelaide’s final six games of the season.

All possible debutants did debut. Jarman Impey played 18 matches, debuting in Round 1 and earning a NAB Rising Star nomination in Round 8. Ben Newton debuted in Round 7 then went on to play three more games. And Tom Clurey debuted in Round 1 but then did not feature in any other of Port Adelaide’s matches.

Robbie Gray was obviously Port Adelaide’s surprise packet. No one would have seen him win the AFLCA award at the beginning of the year.

Ollie Wines also continued his first year form and has played every game since being drafted two years ago.

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It’s hard to make any early predictions for the Power’s 2015 campaign especially before player movements and drafts. However, it seems that they won’t be dropping down the ladder any time soon.

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