Many thought the Power would struggle to stay in the September race in 2014.
They exceeded my own expectations as they finished fifth after the home-and-away season then moved to third by the end of the finals. I had the team from Alberton finishing seventh.
It was polar-opposite seasons for John Butcher and Aaron Young. Butcher played the first three games of the season but could not hold a spot in Hinkley’s side. He ended up being the main forward option for the Port Adelaide Magpies but consistency was an issue for him.
With the likes of Mason Shaw and Mitch Harvey moving up the ranks, Butcher could be used as trade bait this October due to yet again, another disappointing season.
Aaron Young played a career high 14 AFL games this season, various matches as a substitute. His efforts at AFL level and consistency in the twos saw him sign a contract extension in June to stay at least until the end of 2016.
Justin Westhoff’s season wasn’t inspiring as last year but he still proved his value to Hinkley’s side.
Hamish Hartlett’s body held up and managed to dodge the tag for majority of the season, I expect him to come third in Port Adelaide’s best and fairest count.
Travis Boak continued to shine, but 2013 All Australian Chad Wingard went missing especially during Port Adelaide’s lean patch.
I was expecting Andrew Moore to have a breakout season but his big body wasn’t needed until the end of the season when a spot opened up for him once former captain Domenic Cassisi retired.
Cameron O’Shea looked prepared for have a big year, but he didn’t cement a spot in the side until Alipate Carlile and Jackson Trengove fell to injuries.
Like the club, Jay Schulz also exceeded expectations by kicking 66 goals.
Fan favourites Kane Mitchell and Jake Neade broke into the Ken Hinkley’s team during different stages of the season. Mitchell played in eight consecutive games from Rounds 10 to 17. Neade fast tracked the ‘second-year blues’ and proved to be a livewire playing a role in Port Adelaide’s final six games of the season.
All possible debutants did debut. Jarman Impey played 18 matches, debuting in Round 1 and earning a NAB Rising Star nomination in Round 8. Ben Newton debuted in Round 7 then went on to play three more games. And Tom Clurey debuted in Round 1 but then did not feature in any other of Port Adelaide’s matches.
Robbie Gray was obviously Port Adelaide’s surprise packet. No one would have seen him win the AFLCA award at the beginning of the year.
Ollie Wines also continued his first year form and has played every game since being drafted two years ago.
It’s hard to make any early predictions for the Power’s 2015 campaign especially before player movements and drafts. However, it seems that they won’t be dropping down the ladder any time soon.
Ben Smith
Guest
I am a very passionate Port fan, the players are great and Adelaide Oval is spectacular Hartlett and Ebert are so underrated, and Ken is such a magnificent coach. I think we will really challenge for the flag next year. Ryder will be an excellent addition.
Baigus
Guest
A contracted player that tells his club that he will not be playing for them in the future is worth exactly what another team is willing to pay for him.
Kevin Martin
Guest
Good summary ... bit hard a judgment on the Hoff...He was great in the finals and throughout the year worked both ends of the ground Hammer and Gray showed what we thought they could do without injury. I like 'we're not going down the ladder anytime soon' :-).
Radelaide
Guest
Lol,I look like Homer Simpson with the little bird filled with water constantly hitting the enter key.
The Oven
Guest
Somehow I don't think Essendon will be the ones calling the shots on who they get in return. Certain recent events may prevent them from pushing too hard and I think Ryder is more in box seat with this trade than any other in recent history. I think it will just be the first round number sixteen pick and he'll go to Port. Wines would be totally off limits as well. Wingard and Gray being mentioned gave me a good laugh though. Port are looking like their premiership window is opening with next year looking very good for them - they wouldn't do anything too ridiculous to stuff that up.
Aransan
Guest
Rad, I think there was a problem with the Roar web-site, I had trouble too and even Danny had to delete a repeat entry.
Aransan
Guest
Rad, any club would like to get Ryder for nothing. If he is of great value at a new club then a player of similar value could be traded to the benefit of both clubs -- a win win situation. I don't expect Essendon to get full compensation for him but I think GWS are in a better situation to trade than Port.
Radelaide
Guest
Yeah I heard Ben Newton might attract some interest.
Radelaide
Guest
I think my internet was screwing up, wasn't a deliberate repeat. Ryder could use his player welfare get out clause but really it is about him not being worth that much.
Radelaide
Guest
Most likely if pick 16 (if he goes) and maybe a peripheral player.
Danny D
Guest
Danny D
Guest
There's no need to repeat yourself rad and irrelevant post for this thread anyway. While your at it though, E.FC have every right to demand what they deem a satisfactory compensation. They've invested 8 years developing a player they took with their first pick. He is 2 years into a four year contract, coming off perhaps his breakout season, one of the best ruckmen in the league and one of Essendon's most important players. Personally I don't think Port's first pick (pick 16) will suffice and hope Essendon play hard ball with this trade as they are notorious for! Now, back to the thread - port definitely exceeded my expectations as I had them finishing 7th or 8th. I thought with the tougher draw this year (after finishing in the 8 last year), added focus / attention from opposition teams & that hard running game style which is hard to sustain, it wouldn't have surprised me had they even fallen out of the 8 this year. I guess they had a fortunate year injury wise which no doubt helped but good on Port for turning it right around from where they were only 2 years ago!
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
I never said that Ryder wasn't worth that, I would just prefer all of our young midfielders at this stage. The only ones I would be OK with seeing go are guys that Essendon probably wouldn't be interested in.
Aransan
Guest
Joel, what club would willingly give up a player like Ryder for a round 16 draft pick when he was originally pick 7 and has 9 years of development behind him to be the best ruckman/midfielder/forward in the competition. By the way, he can play centre half back as well. Port will need to give up their first round draft pick plus a player (midfielder?) who has played a significant number of games in the AFL this season. I am sure that ultimately Essendon would do a trade on this basis. To do otherwise would effectively add further significant punishment to what was accepted at the end of last season. If the AFL aren't careful their inaction will be a great boost to Rugby League in Victoria as many Essendon supporters will feel that the club has been harshly treated to the extend that they won't appear in a grand final for another generation. That might please some supporters of other clubs but will be a great loss for the AFL.
Joel Erickson
Roar Guru
I'd almost prefer to go without Ryder if the Bombers are expecting that kind of return. There are other options around.
Aransan
Guest
Told you Rad. Wingard or Gray would be OK too but perhaps you will need to throw in your first round draft pick as well. Surely you don't expect something for nothing? A recurring nightmare for Port?
Radelaide
Guest
Essendon want Ollie Wines for Ryder....Tell em they're dreaming.
Radelaide
Guest
Essendon want Ollie Wines for Ryder....Tell em they're dreaming.
Radelaide
Guest
Essendon want Ollie Wines for Ryder....Tell em they're dreaming.
Radelaide
Guest
Essendon want Ollie Wines for Ryder....Tell em they're dreaming.