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After a horror couple of years, can Port Adelaide restore sanity under new coach Ken Hinkley?
Five-and-a-half wins was simply not good enough for Port Adelaide in 2012.
The Power were absolutely toothless last year following a desolate 2011 in which they saluted just three times and finished above Gold Coast only on percentage.
The appointment of Ken Hinkley was made late last year after a very unsuccessful time under Matthew Primus and no doubt the major goal with him in charge will be to push away from the depths of the bottom and back into the pack to restore normality.
Of the bottom five teams from last year (GWS, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs included), Port have the most scope to really move forward and record a higher number of victories than was mustered in a bleak campaign last time out.
The midfield consisting of new skipper Travis Boak, vice-captain elect Brad Ebert, reigning Best and Fairest Kane Cornes, the ever-improving Matthew Broadbent, the class of the returning Robbie Gray and the brilliance of Hamish Hartlett (if he can stay fit) will be boosted by impressive draftee Ollie Wines and second-year talent Chad Wingard.
This region of the ground will be paramount in Port regaining some semblance of form and with Hinkley able to throw ex-captain Domenic Cassisi, Matt Thomas and rookie Kane Mitchell into the mix, things looks fairly stable in the middle of the park.
The forward line is a different monster, however, and an area that Port lacks pure quality.
Gray’s impending reappearance from knee surgery will be a breath of fresh air after missing almost the entire 2012 season and his goalkicking ability as a small forward, when not in the midfield, could be crucial after topping the Power’s charts in 2011 with 32 goals.
Jay Schulz was important last year and will be largely relied upon again and former Essendon small forward Angus Monfires will provide scoring relief but something has got to give with the rest of the forward 50 including Justin Westhoff, who really needs to step up, Brett Ebert, who generally does his bit and Paul Stewart.
Five players kicking between 20 and 45 goals is not enough for any club and just eight players in double figures is bordering on embarrassing.
The Power forward line has the ability but simply not the consistency to kick winning scores which is a major issue.
Troy Chaplin’s departure from a defence that consists of basically Alipate Carlile, Tom Logan and Jackson Trengove will leave a gaping hole and it is obvious this department needs help.
That is likely to come in the form of youngsters Cameron O’Shea, Jasper Pittard, Sam Colquhoun and ex-Sydney youngster Campbell Heath prompting some sort of enthusiasm.
Although there is plenty of work to be done at Alberton Oval but at least things are moving in a positive direction and they could well break away from that bottom pack and join the also-rans but a finals berth is still a while away as I feel they will still be a few games off those sides that narrowly miss the top eight.
Key players
Travis Boak – New skipper who has oodles of class and talent. Set for a massive 2013 after a fairly solid 2012.
Hamish Hartlett – Supremely gifted player who is absolutely key to the club if he can stay on the park for a full season.
Brad Ebert – Inside midfielder who gets plenty of hard ball and is also capable of finishing off.
Breakout potential
Jackson Trengove – Centre-half back who has had a really good pre-season and is primed for a massive year.
Jasper Pittard – 14 game-player with big wraps. Riddled with injury last year but a big season expected if he can shake off those problems.
Jarrod Redden – Showed a fair bit last year and will be good enough to kick on with a key role in the ruck.
Promising youngsters
Ollie Wines – Strong inside midfield with leadership qualities. Pick seven in the 2012 draft who is ready for senior action straight away.
Sam Colquhoun – Skilful defender who is ready for senior footy and should slot in nicely on the half-back line.
Jack Hombsch – From GWS where he played nine games. Returned to Adelaide, settled and will expect to see a fair bit of action this season.
Key inclusions
Angus Monfries – Small forward from Essendon who will freshen up the Power forward line.
Notable departures
Danyle Pearce – Fremantle
Troy Chaplin – Richmond
David Rodan – Melbourne
Predicted finish: 14th
Worth a punt: Ollie Wines – to NAB Rising Star: $10
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