Of the questions everyone is asking leading into season 2014 a popular one is who are the new Port Adelaide?
They are an unheralded group of youngsters who came out of nowhere in the face of adversity.
Like the Phoenix Suns are doing in basketball at the moment or how Jack Kilmer is the “new” Robert Pattinson in Hollywood.
Can Port Adelaide do a “new” Port Adelaide, again?
Ken Hinkley looked like a mad genius, taking a 14th placed team in 2012 to the second week of the finals. Few could’ve predicted the Power would have finished in the finals let alone win a final against Collingwood on the MCG (this even warmed the hearts of Crows fans).
With a return to the Adelaide Oval, understandably the excitement for Port Adelaide in 2013 is palpable.
The Power played inspired football in 2013, whether it be the dramatic events of their pre-season (the tragic loss of John McCarthy) or taking advantage of other teams disadvantages (injuries). The Ken Hinkley led side were inspired.
Power skipper Travis Boak led from the front. Boak was outrageously good, averaging 25 touches a game. He was backed by a super midfield bunch in Kane Cornes (27 disposals), Brad Ebert (23 disposals) and Chad Wingard (21 disposals).
But the special mention of the midfield must go to Oliver Wines. Wines was exceptional in his first year, averaging 18 disposals he was a bully in close, radically changing this team in the process.
If Hamish Hartlett can spend a full season in the middle he will be elite.
They will have some exciting additions in the midfield with exciting Brisbane recruit Jared Polec looking good in pre-season and the explosive Matt White defecting from Richmond during free agency.
Up forward, the Power stretched defences thin with their multi pronged attack and will be looking to do so again this year.
Jay Schulz (49 goals) resurrected his career leading the clubs goal kicking in the process and Justin Westhoff (31 goals) relished the freedom Ken Hinkley gave to him.
Chad Wingard (43 goals) may be the best player on their list and Angus Monfries is dependable (39 goals).
John Butcher and Robbie Gray must deliver consistent form and Paul Stewart is developing into a handy swingman for the Power.
Defensively Alipate Carlile holds the fort and Jackson Trengove is a cornerstone defender. Cameron O’Shea was reliable and helped repel offences with Jasper Pittard and Matthew Broadbent.
This is a solid without being spectacular defence, as proven by finishing ninth in scores against last season.
We know the 2014 season is going to be brutal; a bad loss could be the difference between finishing fifth or sixth and dropping as low as 12th. Percentage is vital.
The core group hasn’t changed and have grown with a years worth of experience together.
So why can’t I put them in my top eight? Do I think last year was a fluke? No.
Do I just look at them as the little brother that can’t get any better than the big brother? No.
Am I a baby basher? No, So what is it?
I can’t help but be concerned with their depth; I feel like the Power are only one injury away from things going awry.
A Travis Boak, Jay Schulz or Jack Trengove injury and it could be lights out for the Power.
And can inspiration be a backbone for a full season again?
You know how in primary school there is a guy who is six foot tall at age 10? By the time he is 18 most guys have caught up.
I can’t help but feel this year the 6-foot 10-year old is the Power, who capitalised on the misfortune (injuries) sustained to other clubs in 2013.
But if the Power can play footy the way the Suns play basketball they’ll be as popular as Twilight in the City of Churches.
Ladder finish: 10th
Individual predictions
John Cahill Medal/Best and Fairest: Chad Wingard
Goal Kicking Award: Justin Westhoff
In the Hot Seat For 2014: Nobody, I can’t pick on anyone anymore…
Player You Need to Watch: Jared Polec
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