The Power have managed some remarkable wins in 2013, but as Ken Hinkley has said, “Sometimes it’s probably almost right that it comes back and you get one back in the not-so-nice taste.”
That was said after Port Adelaide’s one-point defeat at the hands of Carlton.
Port Adelaide has had two straight defeats heading into their finals campaign, but the club isn’t at panic stations yet. Here are a few reasons why:
1. SANFL FORM
This weekend Port Adelaide players playing in league-level all made a statement that they are willing to play September footy. All of Power’s forwards delivered for their respective SANFL teams. Amongst the forwards was Jake Neade, who finished his game with 22 disposals and kicked a goal. Matt Thomas also stared for Norwood, collecting 30 disposals.
2. FATIGUE WON’T BE AN ISSUE: HINKLEY
As much as Port Adelaide’s players looked tired on Saturday night, Hinkley claims that his players will get an “incredible boost of energy” because every player is fighting for their spot in the team. At least a dozen Power players showed they can still play four quarters of competitive footy even if they did look sore.
3. WILDCARD
Aaron Young has played most of his footy this year for the Port Adelaide Magpies, he showed great poise and efforts throughout his game against Carlton ending on 18 possessions, 77% disposal efficiency and one goal.
4. BRAD TO FILL BRETT’S ROLE?
Brad Ebert was easily best on ground for the Power in their twilight clash; Ebert collected 23 disposals and kicked four goals. Brad Ebert did his family name proud wearing the famous #7 Magpie guernsey, at one point he ran through the midfield and kicked long into the forward line much like his uncle Russell did many times in his career.
Ebert even kicked a goal from what’s known to be the hardest pocket in the AFL, nicknamed the “Tony Hall pocket”. Ebert showed great signs that he could play up forward and rotate through the forward/midfield with Monfries next week, which could create havoc for Collingwood.
5. HUNGER
Some of Port Adelaide’s players would want to redeem themselves after their last finals campaign.
Travis Boak will not allow his players to play like they did in the 2007 grand final, Wingard has said himself he is a big game hunter, Westhoff has proven he can step up to the plate and veterans Kane Cornes and Domenic Cassisi won’t give up a finals campaign easily; being in their twilight years. You can’t go past Jay Schulz too; the inspirational forward has never played in AFL finals in his life but now is his time.
6. NO INJURIES, NO PROBLEM
On Monday Port Adelaide released an updated injury list. Kane Mitchell and Alipate Carlile were out with back issues, they will be re-assessed this week. Robbie Gray will also be looked at this week but Hinkley has said it will take a lot to stop Robbie Gray not being selected.
Gray was due to return after being a late withdrawal on Saturday due to soreness. Port Adelaide decided they were not going to risk Gray before the finals series. Other than the following players, Jarrad Redden is the only remaining player on the injury list as he is out for the season.
7. HAMMER TIME
Hamish Hartlett will come back into the side after serving his suspension; historically he plays well in big games after being out due to suspensions or injuries. He was just hitting some good form before being rubbed out for the last two games of the home and away season.
8. PORT ADELAIDE PROUD
Over 40,000 Power fans turned up for AAMI Stadium’s last game. The fans screamed and shouted the whole match proving that they are behind their team. Port Adelaide has turned around from 2012 and their fans are proud of their achievements this year. All aboard the Port Adelaide band-wagon!
Port Adelaide has already proved doubters wrong this year. Now the Power face Collingwood on the MCG; last time Port Adelaide played at the venue was in Round 1 against Melbourne.
The Power have previously beaten Collingwood this year against the odds, can they do it again?
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