Last year, Brad Ebert was a breath of fresh air for the Port Adelaide Football Club coming over from the West Coast Eagles.
Critics suggested he should’ve won the Best and Fairest last season at the Power. This year as vice-captain Brad has been one of the most consistent Power midfielders.
He has a steady average of 21.5 disposals a game (with a 59% Disposal efficiency) Brad Ebert’s disposal average this year has a -1.5 difference from last year’s.
Ebert has also been one of Port Adelaide’s most disciplined players averaging less than 0.5 frees against, per game in 2013.
This year Brad Ebert started with a flyer having 30 disposals in Round 1.
Now in recent games he has been quieter because he is floating into the backline.
Hinkley could be using this as a tactical move to cover Jasper Pittard’s position as a small running defender.
Ebert’s defensive pressure has been great this year as it was last year. second on the Power’s tackle count, Ebert has collected 48 tackles (5 behind Cornes).
Nevertheless Ebert’s efforts through the midfield are still highly contributing to the team. Kane Cornes and Ebert are the fuel to the fire of the Port Adelaide midfield engine of Boak, Wines and Wingard.
Next Port Adelaide game, observe Ebert and how he supplies the ball to someone who feeds the ball inside 50.
When Cornes came out as an unexpected winner for Port Adelaide’s Best and Fairest 2012 many critics believed Brad should’ve won the award.
Players like Travis Boak and Justin Westhoff will be high in the Best and Fairest tally for Power but don’t be surprised if you see Brad Ebert with a high amount of votes too.
His season is mirroring much of what Kane Cornes’ was last year; a player who gained possession of the ball, didn’t get as much recognition as other players and did his part for the team.
There is no doubt that Ebert can still add another level to his game this year. Journalists have criticised Brad Ebert for his lack of ability to change a game around or lift the team when they need it.
These critics forget to mention he looks to be one of the only players who has played at least 38/40 quarters this year, compared to many other players who’ve only played 30/40 quarters of football.
The second half of the year has a lot in store for the Power including a tough draw ahead.
Port Adelaide faces Sydney, Collingwood, Essendon and Hawthorn in that order.
The second half of the year will show where Port Adelaide is at, compared to the big clubs of the league and how much improving they will have to do, to eventually compete for a top four spot in the future.
Huge challenges lay ahead for the team which means huge challenges also for the players including Brad Ebert. Ebert is due for another huge disposal count, he also has a chance to silence his critics and possibly even help lead the team to an upset victory.
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