So much media attention in recent weeks has been placed on the Port Adelaide Power, with the Brett Duncanson saga and Kane Cornes alleged sacking flooding the Adelaide sporting media.
Before that, the club was left picking up the pieces after a second consecutive 100-plus point thrashing, and before that they were vehemently protesting allegations they were becoming the new Fitzroy.
While all of these political and off field issues give commentators plenty of fuel, the time has now come for the Power to focus on the only thing that matters right now – rebuilding their list.
Thanks to the welfare payouts (as inappropriately coined by the man with the never ending packet of opinions, Jeff Kennett) the Power’s future is certain, at least for the foreseeable future.
But the only way the club can possibly hope to halt the speculation is to win games. And If I were in charge, here is how I would approach switching on the Power:
Firstly, start with a complete media lockout. No cameras at training; interviews by the coach and officials only, and give the players time and space to answer the simplest but most important question that needs to be answered: will you give your heart and soul to us next year?
If the answer is anything less than an unequivocal, “Yes, Sir,” send them out the door.
Secondly, get Kevin Foley on board for next year. The retiring South Australian cabinet member is an ardent Port man, and has the skills to manage at the highest level. His knock-about persona is exactly what the club needs right now, as it may go a long way to helping the Power’s perceived off field weakness.
Foley may be the strong, Eddie McGuire, James Brayshaw-type that opposition supporters will hate but respect – the key trait to any successful team calling itself ‘Port Adelaide’.
Thirdly, address the deficiencies. Now that those players who are GWS bound, or Melbourne bound, or SANFL reserves bound, have collected their handshake and final pay pack, time to hit the draft and trade table with aggression.
Crucially, the team needs a big man. A strong ruckman, capable of not only aiding Boak and Cassisi as they slave away in a Judd-like manner, but aid in developing the likes of Lobbe, Redden and former basketballer Bass.
Mark Blake, who has already told Geelong he’s looking for a new stomping ground, is the perfect fit, and if he can’t be lured across try for Ivan Maric, who’s on the outer at Adelaide despite some recent strong form, and all else fails, offer Mark Jammar a blank check and Melbourne whatever they want.
Tall reliable defenders are the second big need, with Carlisle and Trengrove almost certain to leave. Shoenmakers, a Modbury born Hawthorn draftee, might be lured home with the right offer, likewise Gold Coast mature ager Trent Coad, originally from the SANFL.
Plan B is to follow the same road as Carlton and attempt to unearth a fit, ready and keen mature age SANFL back man, a la Nick Duigan. Brayden O’Hara from SANFL powerhouse Central Districts looks to be a good target, having plenty of finals experience under the most successful club culture in football today.
If the rumours of their being a great stigma surrounding the club (indeed, the whole state) are true, then don’t waste time trying to lure them across from Melbourne clubs. Go straight to the source, and use the great football resource at the clubs front door in the SANFL.
And lastly, stop the ridiculous discussion of removing the ‘Port’ from ‘Port Adelaide Power’ – and never let that be mentioned ever again. Ever.
The Power are in crisis, that much is obvious. The focus from now on needs to be on next year and how best to remove the stain of 2011.
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