The recent saga at Port Adelaide, which culminated in the sacking of club legend Matthew Primus, has led to an important question for me and many Port fans: when will it end?
I’m not talking about how teams change their coaches, which seems to happen every year. I’m talking about the lack of success for one of Australia’s proudest football clubs.
It’s been five years since Port Adelaide made their last finals appearance. And it isn’t a good memory for Port fans either – the match was a humiliation at the hands of Geelong in their drought-breaking premiership.
That five years feels like an eternity in the AFL for fans, players and coaches.
As bad as it may be down at Alberton, it could be worse. It has been 11 years since the last finals appearance for the Tigers, and that trend looks like it will continue at Tigerland.
Melbourne are also a club with little success in recent history. Last year, they missed a great opportunity to make the top eight.
The exit of Tom Scully to Greater Western Sydney was a dagger in the heart for the Demons and all their supporters.
Unfortunately for Dees fans, his exit also meant that years of rebuilding went down the drain.
The only glimmer of hope for these three clubs, seems to be in their midfield.
Port Adelaide will rely heavily on Travis Boak if he decides to stay at Alberton. If Travis Boak does leave they will most likely build their team around Brad Ebert, who was been in fine form in 2012.
He has racked up less than 20 possessions only three times this year.
Over in Melbourne, Brett Deledio seems to be one of the only shining stars in a very dark sky. Unfortunately the Dees need to start over, and make some tough decisions at board level.
We will see if they can make the right decisions, because if they do not, that 40+ year premiership drought will continue to grow.
rory_s
Roar Rookie
Good comment Floyd. One of the reasons that the talent in the clubs drop off so fast is the draft. GWS and Gold Coast will be unstoppable in a few years especially with all the money that the AFL is injecting into the two clubs. The draw doesnt help struggling clubs either. The big clubs like collingwood and Carlton get to play most of there games in Melbourne to bring in money to the AFL.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Fair enough Rory, but the current Tiger midfield still isn't the section of that team's make up that should be used when comparing other clubs recent failings with those of Richmond. Besides, by Richmond standards, Port's decline is but a short term descent into mediocrity.Or sub-mediocrity as it now seems. Good teams have at least half a dozen match winners, half a dozen who can be relied upon when those aren't firing, and another dozen who can at least hold their own when required. Port had that a few years back, but also rans like Richmond struggle to assemble that strength. Be thankful that it at least worked once.
rory_s
Roar Rookie
I'm not saying that those players aren't good, they are but Martin has had some trouble off the field and Cotchin is still yet to find consistency every week in my eyes. Trent Cotchin will be a great player but still has some more growing as a player.
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Are you suggesting that Trent Cotchin isn't much of a midfielder? Or Martin for that matter? Richmond still has some building to do, but those two players aren't the problem. At a rough estimate, I'd say Cotchin would currently be worth approximately two Boaks.
brendan
Guest
Julia Gillard said she had more chance of being full-forward for the Bulldogs than PM so you just never no.
Argyle
Roar Guru
Port Adelaide will win the flag when Damien Monkhorst becomes PM.
rory_s
Roar Rookie
I meant it as in, Richmond are from Melbourne. I agree with your description of Port Adelaide and I also love your idea of the nominated player. Personally I do not like the AFL draft system and the priority pick. GWS and GCS should not to be abled to take all the best young players and leave the talent pool for struggling clubs like Melbourne, Port, etc.
Franko
Guest
When they are known as the Hobart Hydros.
brendan
Guest
Your article suggests Brett Deledio plays for Melbourne.As a football lover, a Victorian i might add, i follow football Australia wide and it is tragic that a powerful club like Port Adelaide are struggling the way they are.It appears to me there early success was built on draft concessions enabling the club to recruit from the SANFL and they have struggled since those days.I personally would like to see a rule where a club can nominate a local player who they can then draft in say two years time.This rule would help Port secure for example James Aish who by all reports carries the famous tradition of his uncle.There are problems for many Melbourne clubs but in fairness many of them have only themselve to blame as the Afl has offerred generous re-location packages that they steadfastly refuse to accept.Lets hope the proposed development of the Adelaide Oval is a godsend for Port Adelaide.Lastly , Adelaide is a beautiful city that isnt far from Melbourne and the kick a Vic mentality that exists with many supporters doesn't overly encourage interstate supporters.